Native Strong Comedy Slam Raises $18K for Native Youth
Reno, Nevada – The Native Strong Comedy Slam fundraiser is driven by two goals: to showcase a unique talent group, Native American comedians, and increase support and awareness for the Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation. At the April 2019 event, audience members left the venue raving about performances by Comedy Slam newcomer Kermet Apio and return entertainer Mark Yaffee and long-time host Larry Omaha. Thanks to event sponsors and individual ticket sales, the night raised over $18K for the NB3 Foundation.
From the Comedians
Omaha shared, “It’s an honor to once again be part of the Native Strong Comedy Slam. It’s a fantastic way to contribute, through the NB3 Foundation, to improving the health of our Native American youth. I can’t think of a better way to raise funds than by laughing at the hilarious comedy of Kermit Apio, Marc Yaffee and yours truly, Larry Omaha.”
How this helps the NB3 Foundation in Their Mission
NIGA Chairman, Ernie Stevens, Jr. and NB3 Foundation President and CEO, Justin Kii Huenemann, took stage between performers to speak to the importance of providing opportunities for Native youth to live happy, health and fulfilled lives. Huenemann shared, “We are so grateful for the NIGA Conference platform that allows us to raise important resources for Native youth and to bring the gift of laughter to our supporters.”
Without event sponsors, either first-time supporters or year-after-year Comedy Slam advocates, this evening would not be possible. Mark Astone, CEO, Catalyst Marketing Company, and longtime Comedy Slam supporter, expressed, “We love this event and never miss it. Not only is it for a great cause, but our clients love it and the comedians are hilarious!”
2019 Sponsors
This year’s sponsors included: AGEM, Bold Concepts, Barona Band of Mission Indians, Catalyst Marketing Company, Gitchi Gaming Inc., SageBrush Hill Group LLC, Imagine This, Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures, Gary Platt Manufacturing, Playport, PNM, Pueblo of Sandia, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, National Indian Gaming Association, San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, Seminole Tribe of Florida, University of Phoenix, Houston Productions, and Raving.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Through the Native Strong Comedy Slam, Raving’s G2E Insider Party and Raving NEXT: Indian Gaming Analytics & Marketing Conference, event organizers, Raving, are on track to raise over $30K this year for the NB3 Foundation. Over its five-year course, the Native Strong Comedy Slam alone has raised over $80K and hosted over 650 attendees.
It’s been incredible for Raving to connect more and more industry suppliers with the NB3 Foundation. Kevin Wimsatt, Principal, Bold Concepts, shared, “Bold Concepts has always been a family-based business. We welcome the opportunity to support issues at the forefront of Indian Country and we welcome the opportunity to put an end to childhood obesity.”
To the event sponsors, Huenemann expressed, “Please know that your financial support goes directly to supporting opportunities for Native American youth to live healthy lives and achieve their full potential. Your support helps us provide direct services to ensure Native youth live healthy, happy and fulfilled lives. Your dollars are hard at work.”
About the Event
The Native Strong Comedy Slam is held during the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention (NIGA) during the first week of April. This year the event took place Wednesday night, April 3 at 9:00 PM.
Sponsored Seating started at $1500 for two cocktail tables of eight and individual tickets sold at $200. The total amount raised in 2019 was over $18K.
About Raving
Raving is a full-service, Native-owned, casino and hospitality company that has worked with clients globally since 1998. The company partners with Tribal casinos and gaming companies worldwide to strategically improve overall operations and profitability. Additionally, Raving produces numerous educational publications and conferences including Raving NEXT: Indian Gaming Analytics & Marketing Conference.
About the Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation
Proceeds from the Native Strong Comedy Slam go to the Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation, a national, award-winning Native American nonprofit organization dedicated to Native American children’s health. Their mission is to ensure Native children achieve their full potential by advancing cultures of Native American community health. The NB3 Foundation invests in evidence-based, community-driven and culturally relevant programs. All to promote healthy nutrition, physical activity, cultural connections and youth development. They are committed to a vision that all children have the opportunity to live healthy, happy and fulfilled lives.
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If you would like more information about this topic or Raving in general, please contact Gency Warren at 775.329.7864 or email at [email protected].