Film and Television Standout Comedian Mark Simmons

COCONUT CREEK, FL -- He has toured the top comedy clubs in the nation, been featured on Chapelle’s Show and in the hit films, Barbershop I and II. Now, the multi-talented comedic actor Mark Simmons is coming to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s (CCFA) 7th Annual Comedy Night on October 20, 2016 at the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek.

The Air Force veteran’s career in comedy began on a dare in his hometown of Chicago when Simmons auditioned for the Miller Lite Comedy Search. He ended up a semi-finalist and decided to devote himself towards honing his talents as an actor and a comedian. Simmons’ television debut came in 1998 when he made his first national television appearance on B.E.T.’s Comicview, where he remains an audience favorite, appearing on the show every season since. This was followed shortly being named the winner of the Miller Genuine Draft Comedy Search in 2000. As a founding cast member and writer for the sketch comedy troupe “Forgotten City,” Simmons and his fellow performers enjoyed an extended run on stage at “The Second City Theater” in Chicago, one of comedy’s most celebrated venues. Since then, Simmons has appeared in major films, theater and television, including the 20th Century Fox movie Roll Bounce, a feature comedy spot on the television comedy show P.Diddy’s Bad Boys Of Comedy, a feature on Chappelle’s Show and starring and touring in the multi-media play Real Men Talking.

“We are thrilled to present a comedian of such caliber for our annual Comedy Night,” says Sabrina Kurzman, chair of the event. “Each year we have seen growth with this event and the talent grows with it. We know once again our guests will enjoy a hilarious evening with great company while raising awareness and vital funds to support our mission of finding a cure for the more than 1.6 million children and adults who suffer from digestive diseases.”

Created in 2010 by SAG actress, Sabrina Kurzman, the CCFA Comedy Night has become a top draw for both supporters, and those looking for a night of shared hilarity among great company. Kurzman has dedicated herself to raising funds and awareness for those living with digestive diseases on behalf of her two children, Benjamin and Drew, who were both diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. She wanted to take the negative diagnosis and turn it into something positive. The result is a hilarious event that has raised nearly $200,000 to find a cure for the digestive diseases affecting her children and so many others.

Studies show that more than 1.6 million American adults and children suffer from Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. These are painful, medically incurable illnesses that attack the digestive system.  Crohn's disease may attack anywhere from the mouth to the anus, while ulcerative colitis inflames only the large intestine (colon). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fever and weight loss. Many patients require hospitalization and surgery.  These illnesses can cause severe complications, including colon cancer in patients with long-term disease. One of the more shocking estimates shows that as many as 150,000 of those afflicted with one of these illnesses are under age 18.

The 7th Annual CCFA Comedy Night raises funds while working to remove the stigma of digestive diseases through an evening of shared laughter and friendship. Even those who do not have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can enjoy an evening of top comedic entertainment while learning more about the incredible organization that assists more than a million people nationwide. Through event participation, everyone can prove that laughter truly can be the best medicine.

To date, sponsors of the event include: ABB Optical, Bobby Financial Services, Finger Mate Inc,, Boardroom PR, Miami Dolphins, Paul Tartell M.D., The Gillman Family, Memorial Hospital West, Memorial Hospital West Staff, Shane Le Mar Entertainment, Wizard Creations, Gulfstream media Group, Boca Life Magazine, Jet Blue, and Coconut Creek Casino.

CCFA’s Comedy Night takes place October 20, 2016 at Seminole Casino Coconut Creek located at 5550 NW 40th St, Coconut Creek. Show tickets are $75 and includes a cocktail hour with open bar, passed and stationed appetizers. Those interested in registering or becoming a sponsor can contact Jennifer McCorvey by email at jmccorvey@ccfa.org or by calling 561-218-2929 Ext. 2. Funds raised from this event support the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s ongoing efforts towards finding a cure for digestive diseases and improving the lives of the children and adults suffering from them.

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