Come Mek We Laaf for Best Care's children - Family-friendly comedy at JC on Dec 4

The Best Care Foundation is gearing up to host its annual Come Mek Wi Laaf family-friendly comedy on Sunday, December 4.

Scheduled for the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium, Jamaica College, the show is expected to serve up its usual dose of laughter with yet another stellar line-up. Kathy Grant, Dufton Shepherd, Pretty Boy Floyd and Leighton Smith have all been booked for the event, which will be hosted by Dr Michael Abrahams. The organisers have also booked Errol Fabien, who is considered one of Trinidad and Tobago's best.

Director of the foundation, Everett Lewis, said: "Well, people know they will be in for a good deal of belly-busting laughter and fun. Although some of the acts have performed on the show already, this year's show will be different. Many of them have come up with new jokes for this show and so they have never been heard anywhere else before."

Lewis encourages Jamaicans to bring their entire family as the entertainment package being offered is suitable for all ages. "It is a family event - no expletives and no X-rated jokes; just clean, wholesome fun," he said.

He explained that for the years he and his team have put on Come Mek Wi Laaf, they have never had an issue getting comedians to come on board. "They always jump at the opportunity to do the show mainly because of the cause. They enjoy what it is that we hope to do for the children and do not hesitate to make their own contributions," he said. "It also helps that they enjoy the relationship we have built over the years. You know how people complain that they do this show or that and can't get paid? Not here. We take care of them and they appreciate it."

With that said, the organisers are hoping for a great turnout, as the foundation is hoping to raise between S1.5 and $1.80 million. The money will be used to run the Best Care Foundation, which takes care of many of the nation's disadvantaged children. Well aware of the target, Lewis said: "What we do at Best Care is an important job. We take care of so many children that need the help, and I just want persons to come out and support the cause."

LOOKING TO EXPAND

Come Mek We Laaf 2016 get underway at 6 p.m. Tickets are on sale for $2,800 a pop pre-sold and $3,000 at the gate. Purchases can be made at Monarch Pharmacy, Sovereign Centre, and Supermed Pharmacy, Mall Plaza.

The Best Care Foundation, based on Trevennion Road, St Andrew, provides accommodation, special education, medical care, skills training, a sports programme, social interaction and a therapeutic environment for mentally and physically challenged children. The home currently caters to 10 children, while the school provides educational opportunities for 40, including some from other children's homes, places of safety and the community. However, the school is looking to expand in the near future to accommodate an enrollment of 150 children.

The placement of children at the home is generally a result of unfortunate circumstances, usually involving one or more of parental abandonment, inability of parents to cope with the severity of the child's disabilities, and bereavement resulting in the children being orphaned.

The school is staffed by a mix of full-time and part-time staff. The full-time staff comprises a principal, two special-education teachers and four teacher's aides. There are three part-time teachers.