In the mid-1980s, Helen Ashe and her twin sister, Ellen Turner, joined forces to pursue what they believed to be their mission: help feed God’s children. Motivated by the need to combat hunger in the community and by the teachings of their parents about faith and compassion, the twins first served 22 people in the winter of 1986.
A lot has changed since then, most unfortunately by the passing of Ellen Turner earlier this year. But what has stayed the same over the years is the love that the Love Kitchen continually dishes out by way of over 3,000 meals each week.
This week in particular is special. Scarecrow Foundation, which has the tagline “entertainment with a purpose,” is currently putting on Gator Hater Week — which began on Sept. 20 and runs until Sept. 27. Made possible entirely by volunteers, 100% of the funds raised during the week will go toward the purchase of a new steam kettle for the Love Kitchen.
A billiards tournament, golf classic and poker tournament have already helped to get things off to a good fundraising start this week. And today, Knoxvillians will have another opportunity to donate to the cause while getting some laughs in at the Laughs for Love event slated for 8 p.m. at The Concourse at The International.
Chris Durant, chairman for the event, shared his passion and excitement for the entire week and the Laughs for Love event in particular, and he promises laughs reminiscent of those had at the Side Splitters Comedy Club.
“It’s going to be a great time,” Durant said. “For $10, you will get 11 performers doing various things — 11 names that 75% of Knoxville knows.”
This is because the performers are people Knoxvillians are likely familiar with — like Tyrone Beach of Star 102.1, Frank Murphy of Classic Hits 93.1, former WBIR reporter and current communication director of Visit Knoxville Erin Donovan and even Chris Durant himself.
There will be rehearsed comedy bits, as well as improvisational comedy, in addition to a live DJ and a lip sync battle.
“It’s making me smile thinking about it,” Durant said, in anticipation of the event.
And Durant is pretty confident you’ll not only be smiling if you come to the event, but laughing out loud. Having moved to Knoxville from Los Angeles, Durant said he is nothing short of impressed by the local talent for comedy.
“From what I’ve seen there’s so much talent around here and just not a lot of ways for people to be exposed or perform,” Durant said.
In addition to raising funds for The Love Kitchen, this event will provide an opportunity to showcase some of the talent that Durant alludes to.
Mike Howard of Knox Talk Radio 94.3 WNFZ will be doing some stand-up and improvisational comedy. He hopes the event will be rated a success among attendees, as well as in terms of reaching the fundraising goal.
“I’m doing the event because being able to take a moment to laugh in our world today is so important, and when we can use laughter to help others, what a wonderful honor it is to be a part of it,” Howard said. “I just hope people will have fun at the event, and that we’re able to help The Love Kitchen and give back to them a fraction of what they’ve given to this community.”
The address for the event is 940 Blackstock Avenue, Knoxville, TN, and a $10 donation will be requested at the door.
Following the event, there will be more fun at The Pint House located at 815 Merchants Dr. — where Laughs for Love patrons can enjoy special pricing and free hors d’oeuvres with a portion of sales being donated to the cause.
