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Celebrating holidays at Laugh Factory
The Laugh Factory spread the holiday cheers to families in need with meals and a free show.
LOS ANGELES - For 45 years, Jamie Masada, the owner of the Laugh Factory, has been opening the doors of his comedy club to dish out food and humor to those who otherwise might not have a Christmas. But this year is different! It's Christmas and Hanukkah on December 25. On top of that, Thursday, December 26 is Kwanzaa!
Robert Gagnon, who came to the Laugh Factory for food and fun, said he's celebrating Christmas. For him, celebrating Christmas means enjoying turkey and all the trimmings.
And for Morris Schimel, who's celebrating Hanukkah, it's all of that and enjoying the entertainment. Humor from comics like Tim Allen, who played Santa Claus in movies, stood on stage joking, "The worst part of playing Santa is I hate children." There was a lot of laughter in the comedy club.
He and comic Tom Dreesen love being here on days like this. Dreesen said, "I'm blessed to be able to do it, and my family loves doing this. My nephews do it with me. I don't like taking any credit. I'm just glad to be of service."
Tom Dreesen, who was for years the opening act for Frank Sinatra, said, "You've got to give back. You've just got to give back, and this is a wonderful way to give back."
And as they eat and enjoy, Morris Schimel said he's "...very, very grateful" for the celebrities who volunteer their time. Meanwhile, Gagnon said, "I think it's very nice of them to do so."
And to Jamie Masada, "that's what it's all about... love and peace and joy!"