Smith & Wesson Helps Local Charities with “Night of Laughter”
$40,000 Will Benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children & Ronald McDonald House
SPRINGFIELD, MA — Laughter filled the air at the Cedars Banquet Hall recently as Frank Santorelli brought his comedic talent to Springfield, Massachusetts, to help raise funds for two important local charities. The fourth annual Night of Laughter, sponsored by Smith & Wesson, raised more than $19,000 for the Shriners Hospitals for Children and the Ronald McDonald House of Springfield. Smith & Wesson then matched those contributions, resulting in a total donation of $40,000. Of this amount, over $26,000 will benefit the Shriners Hospital for Children and over $13,000 will benefit the Ronald McDonald House.
James Debney, President and CEO of Smith & Wesson said, “We are proud to support both the Shriners Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House for the fourth year in a row. These two community partners work diligently to help families in need, regardless of their ability to pay. They make a meaningful difference in the lives of many families, and we are honored to acknowledge their tireless efforts as they continue to support the community in which we live and work”.
Smith & Wesson employees, with assistance from Inspired Marketing, organized the annual comedy show which drew a crowd of 350, including many local businesses and individual supporters of the Shriners Hospitals for Children and the Ronald McDonald House of Springfield. Crowd Roar sponsors included United Personnel, Springfield Spring, MSC Metals, and Connecticut Spring & Stamping. Culinary students at Chicopee Comprehensive High School, led by Chef Norm Boucher, prepared an array of appetizers. Also assisting were culinary educators Ryan Rege from Pathfinder Vocational and Eric Rogers from Westfield Voc. Tech. From homemade meatballs marinara to fresh baked cookies at each table, the students prepared an impressive and delicious display.
Enix Zavala, House Manager, Ronald McDonald House of Springfield said “Thank you does not seem to be enough to show our appreciation for the generosity that Smith & Wesson and the many community supporters demonstrated for the Night of Laughter. Our House was built with contributions from organizations, businesses and individuals from in and around Western Massachusetts and that support is needed now, more than ever. Community support is vital in continuing our mission of providing families a warm and safe environment during some of the most trying times in their lives. So once again Thank You for supporting a House-That-Love-Built!”
“The Smith & Wesson Comedy Night was a wonderful evening of community collaboration and support. Shriners Hospitals for Children is so grateful for the friendship of Smith & Wesson and for their commitment in investing in the health and well-being of the children and families served by Shriners Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House. We want to extend our thanks to the Smith & Wesson staff and everyone who played a role in making Comedy Night a successful and memorable charitable event,” stated Bernadette White, Regional Director of Public Relations, Shriners Hospitals for Children.
About Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC) is a U.S.-based leader in firearm manufacturing and design, delivering a broad portfolio of quality firearms, related products, and training to the global military, law enforcement, and consumer markets. The company’s firearm division brands include Smith & Wesson®, M&P®, and Thompson/Center Arms™. As an industry leading manufacturer of shooting, reloading, gunsmithing and gun cleaning supplies, the company’s accessories division produces innovative, top quality products under Battenfeld Technologies, Inc., including Caldwell® Shooting Supplies, Wheeler® Engineering, Tipton® Gun Cleaning Supplies, Frankford Arsenal® Reloading Tools, Lockdown® Vault Accessories, and Hooyman™ Premium Tree Saws. Smith & Wesson facilities are located in Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, and Missouri. For more information on Smith & Wesson, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com.
