Sojourn to Host 7th Annual Comedy Fundraiser

Sojourn Shelter & Services will host its seventh annual “Stand-Up for Sojourn!” comedy fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 16, at Pole Barn Chic, 4491 Old Chatham Road in Springfield.

This year’s event, titled “An Evening in Purple,” will feature nationally known comedian Arvin Mitchell, with comedian and former “Saturday Night Live” cast member Chris Kattan serving as host and Springfield native Maria Libri as hostess.

LRS is the primary sponsor for the fundraiser, while Audrey Kondelis and Pole Barn Chic Events are sponsoring the location.

Mitchell, a St. Louis native, is one of 13 children and began pursuing comedy after initially dreaming of becoming a rapper. He has since performed stand-up around the world and expanded his career into acting, voice acting and music.

In 2019, Mitchell joined the cast of “Studio C,” a sketch comedy television series where he has worked as an actor, voice actor and vocalist.

Kattan is best known for his years on “Saturday Night Live.” Born in Sherman Oaks, California, Kattan began his comedy career with the Los Angeles-based improv and sketch comedy group The Groundlings. He joined “Saturday Night Live” as a featured player in March 1996 and became a regular cast member later that year, remaining with the show until 2003. Kattan now divides his time between Chatham and the Los Angeles area.

Libri, a Springfield native and former Fox 55 television personality, will serve as hostess for the evening. Her acting credits include “Say a Little Prayer,” “Concert Heroes” and “Hey Kattan!” She also hosts “The Maria Libri Show” on Substack.

In addition to the comedy show, the fundraiser will include a silent auction. Businesses and organizations can participate through sponsorships or by donating a basket to the auction.

Sojourn is also holding its first “Dream Vacation Raffle,” which will allow the winner to select a vacation destination. Raffle tickets are $25 each, three for $50, eight for $100 or 20 for $250.

Tickets for “Stand-Up for Sojourn!” are $55 each or two for $100 and include hors d’oeuvres and two drinks. Tickets for both the comedy event and Dream Vacation Raffle are available through Sojourn’s website at help4dv.org.

Proceeds from the event will support Sojourn’s services for individuals and families affected by domestic violence throughout Sangamon, Christian, Logan, Menard and Montgomery counties.

Sojourn provides emergency shelter and crisis assistance along with legal advocacy, counseling and other services intended to help survivors leave abusive relationships and establish safe, independent lives. Money raised through the annual fundraiser helps support those programs and address financial and other barriers that can make it difficult for victims to leave abusive situations.