Each year, the O’Connor House hosts a celebration detailing the difference it has made in the community. The 2020 Celebration of Life Event: An Evening of Joy, Love, Laugh, Give, is set for 6 p.m. March 7 at the Renaissance Hotel, 11925 N Meridian St. in Carmel.
The O’Connor House’s mission is to provide a Christian home to help single, pregnant and homeless women improve life for themselves and their children.
“This is our 16th year hosting the event,” said Kris Bussick, O’Connor House co-founder. “It’s our annual fundraising event. The funds raised go directly back into supportive services for our residents and their children.”
Services include transportation and driver’s education.
“We have five residents currently,” Bussick said. “We try to address each of their individual needs. Some need a high school diploma. Some need a driver’s license and some need transportation to their jobs.”
Comedian Preacher Lawson will provide entertainment at the fundraiser.
“We’re calling it An Evening of Joy, Love, Laugh, Give because the gentleman providing the entertainment is really funny,” Bussick said. “He was on ‘America’s Got Talent,’ and I think a lot of people will recognize him. Amazingly, we were able to get him.”
Lawson moved 20 times before the age of 10. He started writing jokes when he was 16, won the title of Funniest Comedian in Florida in 2015, the Seattle International Comedy Competition in 2016 and placed fifth on “America’s Got Talent” in 2017.
The evening also includes dinner, an auction and a personal story from a current resident.
“We have a trip to Turks and Caicos, an evening with chef Tanorria Askew, a sports package and an in-home wine party from Vine Society, just to name a few items in the auction,” Bussick said.
Tickets are $100 per person or $1,500 for a table of 10. Sponsorships are still available.
For more or to purchase tickets, visit theoconnorhouse.org.
