Laugh, Love and Lend

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – If Valentine’s Day flowers have lost their luster then why not plan on an evening of laughter.  

Muskingum County Adult Protective Services and Kinship Supervisor Patrick Donavan announced an upcoming comedy night fundraiser, which has the proceeds going to support the local elderly who have been abused, neglected or exploited.  

“This Friday we are holding, we’re calling it ‘Take Auction Against Elder Abuse.’ So it is a fundraiser designed to raise money to help those in need,” Donavan said. “Doors open at 6 p.m., the show starts at 8 p.m. You can… if you don’t get your tickets ahead of time, you can show up at the door, you can purchase tickets right there at the door. Just by showing up you’re helping to support the cause.”

Tickets are $20 dollars and the event will take place at Bryan Place, located at 49 North 6th Street in Zanesville. The comedy show will include raffles and auctions for some pretty cool items, along with food and drinks available for purchase. Donavan went on to explain the importance of the event.

“We’re seeing people in situations that are dire,” Donavan said. “You know, it can be anything from housing, exploitation is off the charts. We’re seeing a lot of scams, we’re seeing a lot of really good people being taken for a lot of money. And then just the neglect part, you know we’re seeing situations where people are just… they’re not being taken care of or the people that are supposed to be taking care of them, whether they’re being paid or not, aren’t doing that.”

Donavan noted that the number of elderly in Muskingum County is increasing and that his agency has received 657 reports during 2024, which is a record number of cases.