Punchlines for a Purpose

Punchlines for a Purpose 2023 Recap

We’ve done it again! Our most popular event of the year is a wrap. Between games, drawing prizes, and a whole lot of laughs, our community showed up and we’re excited to tell you about it.

On Saturday, March 11th, The Zones held its first official fundraiser, Punchlines for a Purpose. While not technically new – its former namesake “Pasta and Punchlines” ran for 4 great years – this year saw us setting up at a new location, Barrel Proof Lounge.

Punchlines Recap 1

The event brought together 150 community partners, comedy enthusiasts, volunteers, and staff to enjoy an evening of games, prizes, comedy, and most importantly, raising funds for a great cause.

Starting at 6:30pm, guests enjoyed winning amazing prizes through our Plinko game and wine bottle ring toss, snapping fun pics at our photo booth, taking in a pop-up magic show and whiskey tasting, and sharing in a delicious meal provided by Tomatina and Crumbl Cookies.

Punchlines Recap Photo 2

Being funny and bringing in amazing talent is lounge owner Casey William’s specialty; he kicked off the show at 8:00pm as guests found their seats and finished their meals. What followed were performances from local talent Holly Shaw, the always hilarious Steve Ausburne, and our incredible headliner, Erik Griffin. This crew had the audience in tears for two and a half hours with their unique brands of humor. Thank you, performers!

Punchlines Recap Photo 3

Our game and drawing prizes were a big hit and included spa packages, restaurant gift cards, golf gear, gift baskets, chocolates, wine tastings and tours, and so much more. Special *THANKS* goes to our event sponsors, Poppy Bank, Sonoma Clean Power, Soiland Company, and Crumbl Cookies Santa Rosa, every business and individual who contributed to our prizes, and to Jackson Family Wines, Drive Wines, DC Beverages, Trecini Wine, Montgomery Village, and Lucky Stores, the team at Barrel Proof Lounge, and magician Nick Ghigliazza, for helping to make this event a success.

From all of us at The Zones, thank you so much for supporting our community and helping to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to thrive!

Until next time,

Manny Baldenegro, Board of Directors

Zach Bressick, Board of Directors

John Ghigliazza, Board of Directors

Casey Williams, Board of Directors

Amber Heidtke, Chief Executive Officer

John Valdovinos, Chief Operating Officer

Amanda Peters, Director of Development & Marketing


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