QUEENS — Famed stand-up comedian Gilbert Gottfried will perform during a fundraiser for the struggling Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps at Queens Theatre this month.
The volunteer-based nonprofit, which has served Forest Hills and Rego Park for more than four decades, said it needs about $120,000 annually to pay its bills, insurance, gas and equipment.
The group, which responds to more than 300 calls a year, said that while it receives funds from the state and a local councilwoman as well as through donations from the community, it’s not enough to cover its basic operating expenses.
Earlier this year, the ambulance corps tried to raise money by organizing a GoFundMe campaign which brought in nearly $2,700.
Last year, the group also organized a small comedy show at a local church.
“It was very community-oriented and it was a success,” said Alan Wolfe, 41, who's been volunteering for the group for more than two decades.
He said the group was able to raise about $6,000 during the sold-out event.
This summer, Wolfe said, the group decided to organize another comedy show, but this time in “a bigger venue and with a headliner.”
The ambulance corps, which is made up of about 40 volunteers, approached Gottfried, who agreed to perform at the event.
Gottfried, born and raised in Brooklyn, is known for his numerous TV appearances, including on "Saturday Night Live" and "Late Show With David Letterman." He also gave voice to the parrot Iago in Disney's "Aladdin."
"It’s a worthwhile and important charity," Gottfried said in an email. "When they called and said what it was for, I knew I had to do it.”
The event will also feature three other comedians: Joe Mylonas, Robyn Schall and Just Plain Keith.
The show, which will be held at 7 p.m. at Queens Theatre, will be preceded by a live auction of items donated by local businesses, including gift certificates and tickets to baseball games and movie theaters, led by comic auctioneer Marc Zakarin.
“Our goal is to raise about $10,000,” Wolfe said.
The show “Laughter is the Best Medicine… Take 2” will take place on Saturday, Aug. 22, at 7 p.m. at Queens Theatre at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, 14 United Nations Avenue South. Free parking and a free shuttle bus from the 7 train at Mets/ Willets Point Station will be provided. The auction will kick off at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 and $50 and can be purchased online, in person at Royal Sports (Metropolitan Ave. and Selfridge St.) or Queens Theatre Box Office and by phone: 718-760-0064.
