Fed in Focus

The Jewish Federation
Teams Up with the
Laugh Factory To Raise Thousands of Dollars for Israel

Laugh Factory owner Jamie Masada
is interviewed on the red carpet by
local press

For the past two years, the Federation’s Entertainment Division has hosted its annual “Laugh Out Loud” comedy event at the Laugh Factory on Sunset Boulevard. This year, Laugh Factory owner Jamie Masada approached the Federation with an interesting proposition: team up with the Laugh Factory to co-host a V.I.P Launch Party in honor of his new comedy club in Long Beach, with all proceeds going to the Federation’s lifesaving work in Israel.

Entertainment Council members
Daniel Housman, Stefanie Epstein,
and Scott Halle

More than 300 Federation supporters headed down to Long Beach on September 20 to watch the show, enjoy food and comedian-themed drinks donated by the Laugh Factory and Outback Steakhouse, and be the first to see the brand-new club, which features an enormous performing space and the world’s first Stand Up Comedy Hall of Fame.

Entertainment Industry Leadership Institute members Alyson Mischel, Jeannine Hamaoui, and Dianna Mannheim

Before the show began, the Federation presented Masada with a plaque to hang in the Hall of Fame, acknowledging his generosity and thanking him for his continued support, and after a brief speech from Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster, the first comedian headed out to perform. By the end of the night, the audiences had laughed themselves silly at routines by Paul Rodriguez, Alonzo Bodden, Frazer Smith, Jeremy Hotz, and Jon Lovitz.

Comedian Jon Lovitz performing on the Laugh Factory stage

Before he went onstage, Jon Lovitz said he was glad he was able to come out and support both the comedy club and a good cause. “I’m glad to do it – it’s the right thing to do. If my name can bring some press, and some press brings more money to the charity, it’s a win-win situation.”

Entertainment Cabinet members Lemor Goldfarb, Roya Weiner, and Brie Neimand

Entertainment Division member Doug Robinson, who helped plan and orchestrate the evening, was delighted with the event’s turnout. “This was a successful event in more ways than one, and we couldn’t have done it without the generosity of Jamie Masada and the Laugh Factory,” he said. “Everyone had a great time, the comedians were hilarious and best of all, we raised more than $30,000 for Israel!”

For more information on the Federation’s Entertainment Division, please contact Meredith Weiss at (323) 761-8305 or MWeiss@JewishLA.org.