YLD's Big Event Fundraiser to feature standup comedy with 'Late Night' host Seth Meyers

October 28, 2014

Cindy Sher

A lot of people mistake Seth Meyers for a Jewish guy.

After all, he’s married to a Jewish woman, his paternal grandfather was Jewish, last spring he was presented with the gift of a Montreal Expos yarmulke on his show, and he and his brand of humor have a Jewish sensibility about them.

Though he isn’t technically a member of the tribe, he’s certainly a friend to the tribe, and promises to bring the laughs to our community when he headlines this year’s Big Event Fundraiser next month.

For the seventh year in a row, JUF’s Young Leadership Division’s (YLD) Big Event Fundraiser will be the place to be for young Jewish adults in Chicago, to be held at the Sheraton Chicago on Saturday, Dec. 13–or the easy to remember 12/13/14. This year’s festivities will include a new format: First, the comedy show with wine, beer, and concession snacks at your table, followed by a new two-hour after party with open bar, late night food, DJ, and dancing.

Past Big Events have featured musician Matisyahu, and comedians Sarah Silverman, Andy Samberg, Jimmy Fallon, Aziz Ansari, and most recently Jim Gaffigan and Amy Schumer-who last year drew 2,100 people. This time around, YLD hopes to once again bring in a big crowd. “We are only six weeks away from our sixth annual Big Event, and I am so excited that we will be hosting over 2,000 of Chicago’s young Jewish community,” said Amy Kirsch, 2015 YLD Campaign Chair. “We are thrilled that Seth Meyers will be able to perform. Plus, with the new after-party and an opportunity to meet Seth Meyers, I am certain we are going to have a huge turn-out and a great night to kick-off our 2015 Annual Campaign.”

“I can’t think of a more exciting way to raise money,” said YLD President Brandon Prosansky, “so that JUF can continue to provide social services and sustain Jewish communities in Chicago, in Israel, and around the world.”

Meyers’ appearance in Chicago is a return home to the Windy City for the Northwestern alum. The comedian, born in Evanston and raised in Bedford, New Hampshire, spent a long tenure at Saturday Night Live–12 years as a cast member, eight seasons as head writer, and seven as anchor for SNL’s Weekend Update.

Earlier this year, he took over for fellow comedian and Big Event alum, Fallon, as host of the NBC’s famed talk show Late Night.

Meyers won an Emmy for “Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics” for host Justin Timberlake’s musical monologue, and has been nominated six times for Emmys for his writing on SNL and the 2011 special The Real Women of SNL.

Among his many emcee duties, Meyers hosted the Emmy Awards this past fall.

Back in 2011, he headlined the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner. During his remarks, he made a joke about Osama bin Laden. The comedian was unaware that, a world away, US intelligence had located bin Laden and Navy SEALS planned to attack the next day. Meyers garnered rave reviews for his hosting dinners that night.

And he’s sure not to disappoint at his next gig–YLD’s Big Event Fundraiser-where he’s bound to feel right at home. “Every single Jewish person thinks I’m Jewish,” Meyers recently said. “It’s not their fault. They think that because of my face, my name, and everything about me.”

Attendance at YLD’s Big Event Fundraiser requires a gift to the 2015 JUF Annual Campaign. Ticket price includes comedy show and after party with two hours of open bar, late night food, and DJ. If you have contributed $25 or more to JUF, your ticket price is $85. Attending the Big Event Fundraiser indicates that you will match or increase your previous JUF gift. If you are a new donor or contribute less than $25 to JUF, the ticket price is $110. This includes the event’s minimum gift requirement of $25 to the 2015 JUF Annual Campaign. The fair market value of this event is $85, which is not tax-deductible.

Become a table host to secure group seating with your friends. As a table host, you will be asked to fill a table of 12 (including yourself) by having your friends register online. Guest list is due by Monday, Nov. 17. To be a table host, email [email protected]. All other seating will be general admission.

The Ben-Gurion Society (BGS) VIP reception will begin immediately following the program for JUF donors who contribute $1,000 or more to the 2015 JUF Annual Campaign. VIP reception will include premium open bar, late night food, and the opportunity to meet Seth Meyers in person.

Dietary laws observed. Ages 21 and over only.

Register online here. For more information, contact the YLD office at (312) 357-4880 or [email protected].