QUEENS — They say that laughter is the best medicine, but a Forest Hills volunteer group is hoping it can also bring some money.
The Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps, which has served the neighborhood since 1971, is throwing a comedy show to raise funds for its cash-strapped budget, the organizers said.
The show, scheduled for this Saturday at Grace Lutheran Church in Forest Hills, will feature a group of comedians, including Robyn Schall, who performed at Gotham Comedy Club and Carolines on Broadway, as well as Teddy Smith and Scott Paparcuri.
After the show, comedian Marc Zakarin will hold a live auction of items donated by local businesses and friends of the organization, including sports memorabilia, gift cards and tickets to baseball games.
The group said it has been forced to be more creative in their fundraising efforts.
“It’s getting more and more difficult to raise money,” said Alan Wolfe, 40, who has been volunteering for the organization since 1993.
He said the group, which has 50 volunteers, two ambulances and one response truck, needs approximately $120,000 a year to cover its expenses.
Traditionally, the group has received money mostly from state and city grants as well as from donations from the community.
But Wolfe said a lot of grants have shrunk in recent years, forcing the organization to find other sources of funds.
According to Wolfe, every year the organization response to approximately 300 calls and transports about 150 sick people to hospitals.
The show is scheduled for Saturday, June 7, at 7 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church at 103-15 Union Turnpike. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $20 and are available at www.comedytogoinc.com or at Royal Collectibles (96-01 Metropolitan Ave.). For more information, call 718 793 2055.
