By Audrey Levine
For the Manville PBA, when it comes to raising funds for a cause it’s all about comedy and a familiar locale.
In a continued effort to raise money, Manville Policeman’s Benevolent Association Local 236 will host its first comedy night Oct. 24 at Rhythms of the Night on South Main Street.
”Once a year, we send out mailers to ask for donations,” said Patrolman Nick Franzoso, a PBA member who is organizing the event. “We are trying to have one big night to ask for donations.”
Patrolman Franzoso said the event will feature three New York-based comedians Kurt Metzger, Julian McCullough and Big Jay Oakerson each of whom has been featured on television stations such as Comedy Central and MTV.
”We will have the combination of the comedians and a band afterwards,” Patrolman Franzoso said.
The goal of the event, which is for those 21 years of age and older, is to raise money for the organization to support its efforts in Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) programs, as well as a scholarship it sponsors for high school seniors, and other activities for residents.
In addition, Patrolman Franzoso said, whenever a member of the organization is in need, whether it be due to injury or family circumstances, the PBA uses funds it has raised to care for that person through purchasing supplies or any other means necessary.
Still, he said, the PBA felt it was time to introduce a real event to get residents more involved in the organization.
”We are hoping to make this an annual event,” he added.
Patrolman Franzoso said that to help the effort to get more local people involved, the PBA decided to hold the event at Rhythms, a local bar and restaurant frequented by many Manville residents.
”Rhythms is known, and we wanted to keep the event in town,” he said. “There is always a good crowd there, and it’s a good location.”
Tickets for the event cost $30 in advance, $40 at the door. In addition to the entertainment, Patrolman Franzoso said, the ticket prices include two drinks each.
Patrolman Franzoso said he had sold about 150 tickets, with the cutoff at about 250.
”We will be happy with a good turnout, and with everyone having fun,” he said. “Hopefully, it will be good.”
For more information, or to order tickets, call Patrolman Franzoso at 908-256-9273.
The event begins at 8 p.m., with the doors opening at 7.

