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Arsenio Hall Provides the Laughs at Comics for Kids Fundraiser I t's said that as babies, we laugh 300-400 times a day. By the time we're grown up, that number shrinks to no more than 20. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County intends to raise that average with its 22nd annual Comics for Kids, a gala fundraising celebration that this year fea- tures a rare live appearance by television icon Arsenio Hall. Held Saturday, March 28, the event also features a 5:30pm cocktail reception, silent and live auctions and a gourmet dinner prepared by acclaimed Monterey Peninsula chefs, all presented in a lavish tent in Pebble Beach. Performances by Boys and Girls Clubs members precede Hall's appearance. In previous years, headliners have included Rita Rudner, Jay Leno, Martin Short and crooner Michael Feinstein. Though best known for hosting his Emmy Award-winning "The Arsenio Hall Show" from 1989-1994, Hall also enjoyed a successful film career, most famously playing opposite Eddie Murphy in "Coming to America." After a one-season TV revival he's returned to the performing stage. "I'm honored to host the upcoming Comics for Kids event for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County," Hall said in an email statement. "Comedy gave me a chance to be myself and follow my dreams, so I think it's only fitting that a comedy event contributes to the many great pro- grams the Boys & Girls Clubs provide." The event was the brainstorm of Donna Ferraro, president and CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County. "We started with a couple of comics from the Los Angeles Comedy Store who performed pro bono," she recalls. "To date, Comics for Kids has raised more than $8 mil- lion," she adds. Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County facilities are in Seaside and Salinas, with the stated mission to "inspire and empower the youth of Monterey County to realize their full potential to become responsible, healthy, productive and successful citizens." For ticket information and reservations visit www.bgcmc.org/special_events or call 831/394-5171. —Michael Chatfield SHORTCUTS NEIGHBORS A cultural icon for nearly three decades, comedian Arsenio Hall puts in a rare in-person performance at the 22nd Annual Comics for Kids event March 28. The show is a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County. 74 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 5