The Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center (JCC) announces Seth Meyers will return as the headline performer for Laugh It Up Milwaukee, the annual fundraiser that celebrates community partnership. 

Meyers, an internationally known comedian, Emmy Award-winning screenwriter and current host of NBC’s "Late Night with Seth Meyers," will take The Pabst Theater stage at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 12, with proceeds to benefit programs at the JCC and partner beneficiary, Running Rebels.  

The evening will mark the seventh annual presentation of Laugh It Up Milwaukee, a social and cultural event designed to demonstrate the power of organizations coming together to meet the needs of the community and build a healthier Milwaukee. This year’s event will benefit Running Rebels, an organization that engages the community, youth and their families; prevents involvement in gangs, drugs, violence and the juvenile justice system; intervenes and guides youth by assisting them with making positive choices; and coaches youth through their transition into adulthood. Partnership plays a significant role in the event, according to Mark Shapiro, president and CEO of the JCC.  

"The JCC believes in partnership and the power of community as we see so many of our neighbors and friends experiencing challenges in their lives. This year, together with Running Rebels, we’re focused on ensuring that our community’s youth can grow up and thrive – mentally and physically – in healthy, safe neighborhoods."

Past beneficiaries and partner agencies of Laugh It Up Milwaukee include Gilda’s Club of Southeastern Wisconsin (2012), Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin (2013), MACC Fund (2014), Hunger Task Fund (2015), Special Olympics (2016) and Safe & Sound (2018), and featured performances from Seth Meyers, who performed at the first annual Laugh It Up event in 2012, Susie Essman & Richard Lewis, Martin Short, Howie Mandel, Patton Oswalt and Wayne Brady. Since its inception – and through the generosity of sponsors and donors – over half a million dollars has been raised for programs that combat cancer, bullying, hunger and intolerance.

"Running Rebels is honored to be chosen by the JCC as partner beneficiary for Laugh It Up Milwaukee 2019," added Dawn Barnett, co-executive director of Running Rebels. "Each day we provide positive choices for youth who face the pressures of delinquency, drug abuse, truancy and teen pregnancy. With the support of the JCC, Running Rebels continues to help the community from within."

The Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center is a non-profit, social service agency founded upon Jewish ethics and values. It is committed to meeting the ever-changing needs of the entire Jewish community for strengthening Jewish identity and for enriching the quality of Jewish life. The JCC provides the total community with a forum for open dialogue regarding matters affecting Jewish life here, in Israel and throughout the world. It initiates diversified social, educational, recreational and cultural programs within a Jewish setting.

Tickets go on sale Friday, Nov. 30 at noon at The Pabst Theater's website.