April 2005

In This Issue:

Featured Event Idea - Vacation Bible School Fun!

Real Stories - Case Study: Campus Outreach

Performer Profile - Chris Blackmore: Appearing (& Disappearing) Nationwide!

Special Promotions - Pizza Party! ~ Referral Rewards Program

Effective Resources - Event Planning Guide

Event Planning Tip of the Month - Effective Visitor Follow-Up

News & Updates - Team & Performer News

Joke of the Month - "Wedding Gift" Featuring Chris Blackmore

Vacation Bible School Fun!

VBS is an incredible opportunity to reach out to unchurched kids AND families in your neighborhood! Add an Outreach Comedy performer to your Event to connect with kids in a fun and entertaining way. Here are some great creative tips for your 2005 VBS adventure!

Target Audience

Families in the community with school-aged children

Location Ideas

Church Property: This works especially well if you have plenty of space for both indoor and outdoor activities onsite.
Neighborhoods: Instead of a central locale, organize satellite VBSs in neighborhoods; meet in backyards and garages. If larger venues are needed, check into using schools or community centers.
Multiple Locations: Engage in a progressive VBS that meets in different locations each day or save the option for older children. Choose fun locations like a skating rink or bowling alley, and ministry locations such as a nursing home or soup kitchen.
Event Exchange: Partner with another church for an exchange where children attend both events. Multicultural churches often provide an excellent opportunity for intercultural learning.
Neutral Location: Hold VBS for children in a Christian day care center, YMCA or other local program.

Time Ideas

Daily: Hold VBS during each day over a standard one or two week period.
Evenings: Hold VBS after 5pm when you'll have a greater likelihood of reaching unchurched kids AND their families, more volunteers (especially men), increased parent involvement, higher energy levels among children, and cooler temperatures.
Saturday: Plan a half-day or all-day Saturday VBS as either a stand-alone or supplemental event.
Weekly: Use VBS curriculum in place of Mother's Day Out and conduct the event one day a week over the course of the entire summer.
Sundays: Provide your Sunday school workers a break. Adopt a five-week format that meets during your church's Sunday School.
Seasonal: Offer a half-day or day-long VBS on a Saturday in December. Use the same format as summer VBS but focus on the Christmas scriptures and story.

Creative Activities

Petting Zoo: Set up a petting zoo (sheep, rabbits, ducks, cats, dogs, horses), especially if the program theme is animal-based.
Circus Tent: Set up a tent on the church grounds and conduct a portion of VBS under the big top.
Sports Event: Attend a local sporting event as part of VBS. Contact the venue in advance to get the church's name on the scoreboard.

Water Park: Arrange with a local water park for VBS splash night. Use the event to promote the beginning of your VBS or as the concluding celebration.
Study deck: Make a set of trading cards with Bible characters studied during the week.
VBS Athletes: If your VBS uses a sports theme, make Olympic-style medals with cardboard, ribbon and gold foil; present them to the children on the final day. Inscribe each medal with "God's Champion." Wreaths constructed from laurel branches also add an inspiring touch.
Fish Tank: Arrange with local fishermen to set up and stock a fishing tank on the church grounds. Children can learn about catching fish and becoming fishers of men.
Trading Cards: Create a set of VBS trading cards that includes church staff, VBS workers and children in each class. Ask everyone to fill out information sheets with birthdates, hobbies, pets, etc. Print out statistics on peel-off labels and stick them to the backs of photographs to make trading card sets.
Interactive VBS: Create a realistic and interactive environment that kids can really dive into and explore. Choose a time period or theme that complement your theme, and recreate everything from a Jerusalem marketplace to an archaeological dig, a deep sea adventure to medieval training camp!

Special Guests

Entertainers: Invite an Outreach Comedy performer to professionally entertain kids at their own level. From illusionists, ventriloquists and improv to physical comedy and stand-up, Outreach Comedy has the perfect fit for your kids and curriculum. Ask your performer to tailor their message to fit your needs. Call 866-400-2036 to find out more, or click here to view performers perfect for kid's Events.
Local Officials. If it corresponds with your VBS theme, invite local officials such as policemen, firemen, EMS workers and military personnel to share their testimonies.
To the Tune. Open or conclude VBS with an evening concert of contemporary praise and worship. Find a local Christian group that plays age-appealing music.
Caricatures. Contact Outreach Comedy to arrange for a sketch artist to draw children and teachers at VBS.
Resource a Rabbi. Invite a local rabbi to come and share about Jewish customs and traditions, especially if you're using a Jewish marketplace or Holy Lands curriculum.
Scientific Slant. If the curriculum uses a scientific theme, contact Christian scientists such as physicists, archaeologists, astronomers, chemists, biologists and geologists from local universities to explain relationships between God and science. Be sure to review the material to make sure it's age-appropriate and theologically accurate.

Involve Kids in Ministry

Local Missions: Adopt a local mission project. Collect appropriate supply items during VBS and visit the site on the final day.
Habitat for Humanity: Partner with the organization. Children can view a worksite, learn about Habitat's mission and serve refreshments to Habitat volunteers.
International Missions: Support an international mission. During the week, collect donations for a specific project. Arrange a telephone call or videoconference with the missionaries to learn about their work and how the money or items will be used.
Special Visit: Schedule one day at a nursing home or retirement center and ask the residents to participate and even relate their past church school experiences.
Missions Trip: After VBS, follow up with a short-term mission trip. Take children to a local or overseas mission and let them present VBS to other neighborhoods.

Refreshments

Easy Snacks: Offer ready-to-eat snacks and juiceboxes at snacktime.
Kid Chefs: Set up a cooking station for children to prepare refreshments for the entire group. Keep the recipes simple.
Family Dinner: If having VBS in the evening, serve dinner to families before VBS starts.

Welcome Table

Signage: Clearly mark your drop-off and pick-up sites for parents.
Registration: Make sure each child is registered into your VBS with appropriate emergency contact info, medical and security alerts. Make sure each child is matched with their guardian for pick-up or that alternative arrangements are made with the guardian in advance.
Information: Have various ministry information (for kids AND adult ministries) available for curious parents.
Check-In/Out: Have any goodies, photos, memory verses, trading cards, etc. available to hand out at the end of each day as children are picked up. Make sure you retain children's nametags for them to pick up the next morning.
Parting Gifts: Give a special gift to children and parents on their last day. Be sure to attach church contact info to the gift.

Volunteers Needed

Construction: Obtain materials and create any props, sets, or booths you might need.
Creative Planning: Plan out the VBS schedule, choose curriculum and theme, assemble and motivate a volunteer team, etc.
Promotions: Write copy and arrange for art, production and implementation of all marketing materials.
Set-Up & Tear-Down: At the beginning and end of each day, or as needed.
Teachers & Helpers: Several needed for each group of children.
Hospitality: Man the welcome table, assist in any emergencies as they arise, and assist in snack & meal preparation.

Volunteer Ideas

Volunteers' Pre-party: Host a pre-VBS party for VBS volunteers. Play the games and make the crafts for that week. Ask for suggestions on how to make the activities more fun and relevant for children
Student Volunteers: Encourage teens to volunteer. Many will ask friends and classmates outside the church to assist.
Fast Tips: Prepare a belt clip, wristband, or card inserted behind a volunteer nametag with VBS tips and reminders that volunteers can wear. Make sure children's nametags include medical alert and emergency contact info on the back in case of emergency.
Give Gratitude Daily: Instead of waiting until the end of the week, reward workers with a small treat and note of encouragement at the end of each day. Be creative, such as a Payday candy bar with Luke 6:23 attached.
In Costume: If using a themed VBS, dress all church staff members and VBS workers in appropriate costumes. Solicit local college or high school drama departments for help.
Real-life Bible Men: Encourage male staff members to shun haircuts and grow beards two or three months prior to VBS. Use them to portray Bible characters in Bible skits and greet kids.

Ideas & Tools to Get the Word Out

Sunday Services: Senior pastor announcements on Sunday morning are the BEST proven way to incite church members to action.
Door Hangers: Canvass local neighborhoods with Outreach DoorHangers
Direct Mail: Send a postcard mailer or Outreach ImpactCard to the community - specifically to families with children.
Personal Invitations: Equip church members with Outreach InviteCards for to hand out to their friends
Banners: Hang an Outreach ImpactBanner across a main road, pathway, or even on the back of church member's trucks as a moving advertisement.
Publicity: Send a press release to local newspapers
Radio Ads: Take out airtime on local radio stations
Cross-Promote: Hand out flyers, make announcements, or purchase ad space at other Events, movies, concerts, etc.
Flyer: Leave flyers at kid-related places like parks, YMCAs, pediatrician's offices or even schools (be sure to obtain permission).
Calendars: Get listed on newspaper, Internet and radio community calendars
Word of Mouth: Utilize word of mouth whenever possible. Pass the excitement along to your congregation at Sunday services, etc.
VBS kick-off: Host a neighborhood parade on the Saturday morning or afternoon prior to the beginning of VBS. Serve refreshments when the parade ends. Make sure you obtain the proper permits.
Yard Decor: Use the election approach and place yard signs in church members’ neighborhoods advertising VBS.
Pep Rally: Host a pre-VBS rally in a neighborhood park. Activities could include face painting, kite flying, water slide, balloon animals and light snacks. Hire a strolling illusionist from Outreach Comedy for added fun!

Wording: Outreach oriented semantics can boost your attendance with kids from unchurched families. Think about changing your "Vacation Bible School" to "Summer Day Camp" or "Vacation Bible Adventure" and word your promotional pieces as an opportunity to meet the needs of parents in your community--maybe something along the lines of "Day Camp: Your kids will be on summer break for 6 weeks. Let us entertain them a week for FREE!"

For Outreach communication tools, contact an Outreach Specialist at 800-991-6011 for more information, or click here.

Budget Booster Ideas

Donations: Have church members donate welcome or follow-up gifts to unchurched families.
Program Ads: Sell out ad space in your daily gazette or on your website to local businesses as a fundraiser.
Ministries: Put each church ministry or club in charge of preparing welcome gift baskets or food preparation.
Registration Fee: Attach a VBS registration fee. To sell-out in advance, offer registration at a discounted price if purchased by a certain deadline, or advertise a limited number of spaces.
Curriculum Sharing: Contact area churches and find out which curriculums are being used. Many of the ancillaries can be shared to reduce costs.
Senior Participation: Ask your church's senior adult group to construct additional props to enhance your VBS theme. Solicit ideas and techniques from the local high school or college drama department.
Synergize: Save money on materials, increase your worker pool and create new friendships by combining with several small churches of the same size for a collective VBS.

Added Outreach Impact

Visitor Gifts: Assemble new family gift baskets and have them available at the welcome booth when children register. Include a church pamphlet, Bible, and other fun miscellaneous items in your baskets.
Prize Tags: Create prize tags or ribbons for contest winners with church information.
Photo Gallery: Each day, shoot candid photographs and use them to create a daily newspaper. Set up a display where parents can order prints at the end.
Invitations: Pass out invitations or ministry activity calendars to your next Event, or Sunday services as children are picked up.
Online VBS: Design a VBS Web site. Update it each day and have the children log on each night or morning to see photos and read about the previous day's activities. You might also want to have a computer on site for kids without computer access.
Adult VBS: Offer a study for adults during VBS time, especially if you're using an evening format.
Loaves of Love: Take a loaf of homemade bread as a follow-up gift to every family whose child visited VBS. Call in advance to arrange a convenient time.
VBS Souvenir: Shoot a video or DVD of VBS and send it home with each child as a permanent reminder of the event.
VBS Soundtrack: Make a cassette tape or CD of VBS songs and send them home with the children at the event's conclusion.
Traveling Kits: Place picture pages, game instructions and stories inside Ziploc bags. These "kits" can be saved for trips, rainy days or passed out to non-church friends.
VBS Sunday: Designate the Sunday following VBS as VBS Sunday. Arrange for a special children's musical program and have VBS participants read the Scripture and lead prayer. Be sure to issue special invitations to the families of unchurched children

Vacation Bible School ideas adapted from the "VBS 2005: Neighborhood Revolution" article by John and Kathy Hillman, pages 85-96 of the Jan/Feb 2005 edition of Outreach Magazine. Used by permission. Click here for a free trial subscription! For a comprehensive listing of publishers' VBS 2005 curriculum, go to outreachmagazine.com.

Case Study:

Campus Outreach: Youth All-Nighter

Youth All-Nighters are an effective way to connect with unchurched students in your schools! Cutting Edge Ministries of Manassas, VA hosts an annual youth all-nighter with local area church youth ministries participating--complete with 8 hours of fun your students will love. Here's a great way to connect with kids on-campus!

Event Basics

Customer Interviewed: Debbie Cali

Organization Name: Cutting Edge Ministries

Event Name: "All Night Celebration 2004"

Event Type: Youth All-Nighter

Event Dates & Time: Thursday, December 30, 2004 10pm - 6am during Christmas break

Event Location: Multiple locations in Virginia including: a church, an aquatic and fitness center, an ice rink and 2 bowling alleys.

Location Profile: 27 miles outside of Washington D.C.

Attendee Type: Jr. High and High School students, youth pastors and youth volunteers from multiple denominations.

Price per Attendee: $35 registration for entire night's activities and food

Total Attendees: Approx. 450

Behind the Scenes Efforts:

Publicity Tools Used:

Call Campaign: Called area youth pastors to invite
Direct Mail: Mailed a letter to area youth pastors
Website: Listed details on ministry website, and provided registration forms online
Campus Club: Encouraged students on campus "EDGE Clubs" (Christian clubs) to invite their unchurched friends

Cutting Costs:

Registration: Students were required to pay a $35 registration thru their church youth pastor.
Sponsors: Local businesses offered price breaks for use of facilities, and pizza was offered by Domino's Pizza® at a reduced rate.

Team Efforts Included:

1 Event planner from Cutting Edge Ministries
11 area churches (11 youth pastors) participated
Volunteer Ratios: 1 adult for every 7 students, these volunteers were supplied by the participating churches

About the Event

Event Purpose:

Support Local Youth Pastors: The annual 'All Night Celebration' is a gift to local youth pastors during the holiday break. Individual youth pastors can skip planning a major Event during the holidays and are invited to bring their students to a pre-planned all-nighter Event. Youth Pastors are simply asked to handle registration of their students, volunteers, drive and attend--the planning, activities and agenda are taken care of for them.
Support Students: On-campus, Christian "EDGE Clubs" are also supported through this Event as an fun outreach to unchurched students. EDGE Clubs are student led, on-campus clubs through Cutting Edge Ministries which follow these guidelines:

Event Content:

The evening's schedule of events included...

10pm - 12am, Entertainment: a local band and professional comedian performed, interacted with students and the comedian shared his testimony at an area church.
12am - 2am, Gym: activities included swimming, basketball, pizza party etc. at an aquatic and fitness center.
2am - 4am, Ice Skating: freestyle skating and broomball were available at a 2-rink ice-skating arena. Christian music CDs were played overhead.
4am - 6am, Bowling: cosmic bowling at 2 local bowling alleys (the group was so large they had to be divided) was available. Christian music CDs were played overhead.
6am, Drive: students were driven back to individual churches by youth pastor & volunteers; leaders were equipped with sunrise devotional talking-points for the ride back.

Site Set-Up:

Tables were set-up at the fitness center for the pizza party, and chaperone stations stocked with coffee, pain-relievers, snacks, etc. were set-up at each site, along with information on Cutting Edge Ministries.

About the Comedy Performance

Performer: Michael jr.

Performance Type: 45+ minutes of stand-up comedy

Message: 20+ minutes of student interaction, Q&A session, and testimony

Results

Response to Performer:

"Not only did Michael meet our entertainment needs (he was so funny!), but he bantered back and forth with our students. He was daring enough to interact with and connect with them."

Response to the Event in General:

"This event was very well-received--it was the talk of the campus the next week! We had many calls from parents wanting to know how they could be involved next year."

How Many Unchurched Students Came?

"Approximately 1/3 of the 450 students were not regular attenders of a church youth group (150 students)."

Increase in Attendance:

"We've held this Event annually for the past 4 years with a comedian. The original size of the group 4 years ago was around 200 students, this last event had about 450 students (that's 125% growth 4 years later). The EDGE Clubs on campus also increased in size afterwards."

Fundraising:

"This growth has allowed this event to become a great fundraiser while still serving the community and keeping student registration costs low--$1,000 was raised for Cutting Edge Ministries with this 2004 Event."

Additional Comments

Biggest Concerns Heading into the Event:
"The weather. Had it been snowing that night, we would probably have had to cancel the event due to poor driving conditions."

How These Concerns Were Addressed & Resolved:

"It didn't snow!"

How This Compares with Past Events:
"We felt this year's event was the most connected. I really believe that Michael jr. set the tone. He really made it feel like one big group with one sole purpose. It was a GREAT icebreaker with student interaction. Many of the kids were able to use it as a starting point for conversations the rest of the evening."

Would You Do This Event Again?

"Yes--it is an annual event for us because of the following reasons...

(1) We are able to reach a large number of kids, and show them that you can have an evening of awesome Christian fun.

(2) It's a great break for area youth pastors. They are often over-worked, and we find it very rewarding to relieve them once a year.

(3) It's a great way to increase our funding, get the word out about our clubs and serve the community at the same time."

What Would You Do Differently Next Time?

"We wouldn't change a thing--it was great the way it was. Next year we may have to split the group up further as it continues to grow (i.e. - have one group ice skate while the other bowls, then reverse it), we will also invite different entertainers next year to continue to add variety to the Event, but we'd LOVE to have Michael jr. back in the future!"

What Would You Say to People Planning a Similar Event?

"Pray! But God will bless you 100-fold whenever you try to increase His kingdom. This generation is so worth it that it is our duty to provide great opportunities like this for them."

Comedy Illusionist

Chris Blackmore

Appearing (& Disappearing!)

on Stages Nationwide

Where are you from, and what was it like growing up there?

I am from Orange County, southern California - the city of Orange. My childhood was pretty much like "Leave It to Beaver." I had stable friends and family, played Little League and went to a Catholic School growing up. I had a fairly mellow childhood.

When and how did you become interested in being a comedy illusionist?

I broke my femur and was in traction and a body cast for almost a year - when I was 13 and 14 years old. Someone gave me a book during this time called "The Amateur Magician's Handbook" by Henry Hay - and I just became fascinated with performing magic and entertaining audiences. I first performed at CHOC (Children's Hospital of Orange County) after being discharged when I was just 14 years old, I was invited back to perform for kids, doctors, and nurses. After that I put an ad out in the Penny Saver (classifieds publication), and started performing for children's birthday parties. I ended up doing 4 or 5 parties in a weekend, and became excited about this as a career. I later received my Bachelor's degree in Theater Arts from California State Long Beach. They let me tailor my education for a magical career--combining acting, technical and children's theater into one major.

How did you become a Christian?

My wife, Virginia, and I became Christians at the same time 8 years ago on New Years Day, 1997. We had been searching for a long time, and gone through everything you can think of - from New Age philosophy, to looking into different religions. I had been raised Catholic, but discarded that after grade school, and my family didn't practice it. We were actually involved in a cult for a time, and finally some good Christian friends set us straight, and the Holy Spirit convicted us as well. We ended up committing our lives to Christ and were baptized at First Baptist Church in Orlando, FL - where we lived while I was performing for Disney World.

As a Christian, how have you overcome the stigma associated with "magic" in Christian circles?

I let them know that the Bible doesn't forbid magic, it forbids appearances of evil. When it discusses magic, sorcery and even ventriloquism (Deut. 18:11, Is. 8:19, Ex. 22:14) the Bible is clearly discussing man's involvement with the supernatural, often with the collaboration of evil spirits. Let it be emphasized that no true Christian illusionist is in any way involved in the use of supernatural powers.

How do you see the Lord moving through your Comedy?

First of all, He lifts me up. I'm not nervous, I enjoy it, I know I'm doing it for the Lord. My show is largely ad-libbed, and it's so obvious to me that God gives me the right words and the right message that the audience needs to hear. So often I'm just blank with prepared material, and He just gives me the words to say.

What's your favorite thing about being a comedian and illusionist?

Watching people, and particularly families, laugh. I love seeing families together for shows because there's so few venues that families can attend together and enjoy.

What are some of your current career struggles and triumphs?

I struggle with the amount of time I travel - I travel a lot for my career, and it can be difficult balancing that with being at home with my family. On the flip side, I love doing what I'm doing for a living - it's a lot of fun going out and performing. I love incorporating God's word into my show in an entertainment format that non-Christians can see and enjoy as a church experience.

Where do you see yourself in the next ten years?

Hopefully being a major player and performer in the Christian market - someone who can spread the Word to large audiences, through live performance, television and media.

What's your favorite Bible verse and why?

My favorite Bible verse is one my wife, Virginia, gave me. It's on a little plaque sitting by my desk - it's 1Peter 5:7 "Let the Lord have all your worries and cares, for He is always thinking of you and watching everything that concerns you." Anytime I'm facing problems and worries and feel like I have to take care of it all, I recall this verse and remember that God is taking care of me and has my back. My wife added, "especially with the kids."

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I'm a Little League coach, involved in Indian Guides (similar to Cub Scouts), my wife and our family are very involved in outdoor sports such as jet skiing, boating, skiing, etc. And we're also involved in Olive Crest Foster Care Home.

What's you're all time favorite gig?

I have so many great memories of performances, but I would have to say that the one that stands out the most was when my wife and I taped our first television show, The Statler Brothers. We met Crystal Gayle and performed with The Statler Brothers! Everyone was so gracious and kind. We were not Christians, but they were, and they showed great patience and love to us. It is a wonderful lasting memory.

What your all-time favorite illusion?

Escaping from a straightjacket. I often use this as an illustration to explain that when we feel bound up and unable to control our situation, God shows us that He gives us freedom, peace and joy.

Click here to read more about Chris Blackmore and watch his video clip!

Monthly Website Promotion

When you schedule an Outreach Comedy Event* by April 30th, ask to receive your vouchers--each good for a large one-topping pizza and a 2-liter of Coke® at Domino's Pizza®. Party with the church staff, show your volunteers some appreciation, or use the pizzas towards your Event! Any way you slice it, enjoy a few pizzas on Outreach Comedy as a big Thank You! Click here for more details.

*Booking minimum required. Offer good on new Events only. Not valid with any other offer. Must mention offer to Event Coordinator at time of first contact. Promotion and prizes sponsored by Outreach Comedy. Offer good thru April 30, 2005.

Domino's®, Domino's Pizza® and the modular logo are registered trademarks of Domino's Pizza PMC, Inc. Coca-Cola® is a registered trademark of The Coca-Cola Company.

Referral Rewards Program

•For every 3 Referrals*, receive 30% off the average Booking Price, applied to your next Event.

•For every 5 Referrals*, receive 50% off the average Booking Price, applied to your next Event.

•For every 10 Referrals*, receive a FREE Performance! (Valued up to $2000!)

*Qualifying Referrals must book an Event, valid on referral's initial Event only, new clients only, with a minimum Event price of $1000.

Event Planning Guide!

Features:

3 Ring Binder. 96 pages.

1 CD ROM with worksheets and forms.

The Event Planning Guide gives your everything you need to organize an effective Outreach Event. Based on the 3 P's of Event planning: Pray, Plan and Promote, the 96-page guide features planning schedules, discussion guides, budget and fundraising ideas, preparation checklists, follow-up guidelines and more! If you find this eNewsletter helpful, you'll LOVE the Event Planning Guide!

Yours FREE* when you book an Outreach Event, or $24.99 from the Outreach Catalog. Call 800-991-6011 to order it directly, or click here!

*Limit one per customer.

Effective Visitor Follow-Up

Use your registrations, contact cards or door prize entries to follow-up with your guests within 2 weeks of your Event. Personally mail, email, call or visit your guests. The personal touch is what counts here - guests look for personal connections in a church they'll eventually call home. Recruit volunteers to lighten the volume, or match cards up with appropriate ministries for personal follow-up.

Welcome: Let your guests know that you're glad they could come. Make a personal connection if possible. If calling or visiting, ask if they were able to meet anyone from the church.
Information: Inform them of ministries, Events, or other information they might find interesting. If calling of visiting, ask if they have any questions about the church.
Invitation: Invite guests to attend your next Event, normal church services, small group or ministry that might interest them. Call to follow-up any written notes.
Personal Significance: Keep your tone warm, genuine, and welcoming instead of repetitive or monotonous. Space calls out if that will help you, and handwrite any notes. Keep your contact as personal as possible. LISTEN (if calling or visiting), and focus on their needs. These are small ways you can affirm your guest is wanted, special and significant (not just another number to call or letter to mail).

Note: If team members or volunteers assisted in visitor follow-up, check in on these activities 2 weeks after the Event, and again one month later.

Adapted from the Outreach Event Planning Guide, pg. 90.

Comedian Bob Nelson

Our newest performer, Bob Nelson is now online, complete with live video footage. Bob Nelson has been entertaining audiences nationwide with his hysterical characters and voices. Click here to meet the newest addition to the Outreach Comedy roster!

Comedian Kerri Pomarolli

Kerri appeared in a sketch on NBC's Tonight Show with Jay Leno on March 31 at 10:35/11:35pm. We hope you were able to catch it! Click here for more on Kerri Pomarolli.

DVD Sampler 2005

Keep your eyes peeled for your FREE copy of the 2005 Outreach Comedy DVD Sampler in the mail this month! Enjoy nearly 2 FULL HOURS of hilarious LIVE comedy performances! If you're not in our mailing database, be sure to call or email us to request your copy today!

866-400-2036 or comedy@outreach.com

We're Moving!
The Outreach offices are moving on April 22, 2005! Our phone numbers will stay the same, but please mail all inquiries and payments to our new address starting on this date: 2230 Oak Ridge Way, Vista, CA 92081-8341. Thanks!

"Wedding Gift"

brought to you by Chris Blackmore

While at a beautiful wedding for his only daughter, the father of the bride asked his son,

"Did you give the check for $5,000 to your sister's new husband?"

"Yes I did father" the son replied.

"And what was his reaction?" asked the father.

"Well father, first he was very thankful, then he was filled with emotion" said the son.

"Did he cry?" asked the father

"Why yes, father he did indeed cry" replied the son.

"And for how long did he cry?" asked the father.

"Oh, for about a minute father" said the son.

"Why that unappreciative ingrate! I cried for over an hour after I wrote the check!"

Click here to read more about Chris Blackmore and watch his video clip!