www.myspace.com/ward57

Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) in Washington DC is the first stop for many of America's returning wounded service members from Iraq and Afghanistan.  Known as "the amputee ward", the orthopedic Ward 57 at WRAMC houses some of the most severely injured patients for weeks or even months. The painful sacrifice of losing one or more limbs is the new battle these service members and their families now fight.

Operation Ward 57 was started to have a direct way for individuals and companies to show their support and raise funds for these courageous men and women who have given so much.
The program is run through pro-football player Kerry Carter's THINK BIG FOUNDATION, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, Tax ID: 20-196-2446, in partnership with Atmosphere Artist Management LLC.  This is a grass-roots, volunteer effort. Each person who buys a T-shirt, not only shows their support, but directly contributes to items for the Ward, patients, family members and staff.

April 3, 2008

 

‘LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE’ COMEDY SHOWS BENEFIT OPERATION WARD 57 WOUNDED WARRIORS

Seattle’s Mainstage Comedy and Music Club

Seattle, WA – The Mainstage Comedy and Music Club in Seattle to host its first “Laughter is the Best Medicine” Comedy Benefit Shows on Saturday, April 19th.

Deborah Semer, a Seattle resident, founded Operation Ward 57 in 2007 to support the amputee/orthopedics ward at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) in Washington DC where her husband is an Army nurse. The grass-roots program is run through pro football player Kerry Carter's THINK BIG FOUNDATION, a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit, in partnership with her company, Atmosphere Artist Management LLC.

Club owner Julie Mains, says, “Seattle’s best comedians are coming together for a night of hilarity and fun(d)raising. We are proud to do our part for America’s severely wounded vets by supporting this effort. We find laughter truly is the best medicine.” Two shows, at 8 and 10:30 pm, are to be performed by Seattle laugh-masters Tony Daniel, Joe Vespaziani and Dean Oleson. Twenty (20%) percent of the proceeds will be donated to Operation Ward 57.

A talent search is also underway to find active duty or retired military stand-up comedians who would like to participate in future shows (held quarterly). The next benefit show will be in August. If you are interested in auditioning, contact the Mainstage Club at 206-550-2112.

Semer said, “Losing a limb or two is no laughing matter of course. The pain these young soldiers will endure for the rest of their lives is heartbreaking. Laughter helps us all get through another day. Some patients have an unbelievable sense of humor. One suggested we create a T-shirt that says, “On sale: half-off now!” Enjoying a night of lightheartedness and raising money to buy things that help them heal is the least we can do. I just hope their Internet connection is working so they can watch the show live and share a chuckle from their beds."

A 10-foot Ward 57 flag created by supporter Rick Clements will be laid out for attendees to sign and send words of support. The flag will travel around to various events gathering signatures from artists and citizens, and then will be presented to the WRAMC’s Ward 57.

TICKET INFORMATION: Tickets are $20 and available at the door, through Ticketmaster or the club at www.mainstagecomedy.com or call 206-217-3700.

The event will also be broadcast at 8:00 p.m. PST on www.synclive.com.

To make a donation or purchase an Operation Ward 57 T-shirt, go to www.operationward57.org. Shirts are also available at the events.

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MEDIA/PROGRAM CONTACT:
Deborah Semer / 206.829.9822 / info@operationward57.org