Russell Ferber Foundation's 20th Annual Comedy Fundraiser Supports Culinary Education and Students with Learning Differences

The Russell Ferber Foundation will host its milestone 20th Annual Comedy FUNdraiser on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, bringing together comedy, community support, and a commitment to culinary education. The event, hosted by stand-up comedian and podcaster Jordon Ferber, promises an evening of laughter while raising funds for aspiring culinary students. The foundation's origins stem from a deeply personal tragedy. Russell Ferber, who was just 21 years old, lost his life in a car accident in 2002, mere days after completing his Baking and Pastry Arts degree at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA). In response to this loss, his family established the Russell Ferber Foundation in 2003 to support young people pursuing culinary dreams and provide assistance to students with learning differences.

This year's comedy lineup features notable performers including Jordan Carlos from The Nightly Show, Greg Wilson from Comedy Central, and Janeane Garofalo, known for her work on Saturday Night Live and in films like Wet Hot American Summer. The foundation's philanthropic efforts extend beyond the annual fundraiser. Through strategic partnerships with C-CAP (Careers through Culinary Arts Program), the organization provides inner-city high school students with culinary training and mentorship. Additionally, the foundation has established a fully endowed scholarship at CIA and contributes to the VCS Russell Ferber Memorial Fund, which supports educational and psychological services for students with learning differences.

Sponsored by Grandaisy Bakery and Jeremy's Ale House, the event will offer attendees an opportunity to enjoy comedy, sample culinary creations by scholarship recipients, and contribute to a meaningful cause. The evening will feature raffle and silent auction prizes, wine, beer, and delicious bites. The comedy fundraiser represents more than just an entertaining evening; it embodies a powerful mission of transforming personal loss into a platform for supporting educational opportunities and honoring Russell Ferber's memory through community engagement and culinary passion. The sustained impact over two decades demonstrates how targeted philanthropy can create lasting educational pathways and support systems for vulnerable student populations.

The foundation's dual focus on culinary arts and learning differences addresses significant gaps in educational support. Culinary programs often face funding challenges, while students with learning differences require specialized resources to succeed academically and professionally. By funding scholarships at institutions like CIA and supporting programs through C-CAP, the foundation directly impacts career trajectories in the culinary industry. The event's community-driven model, combining entertainment with philanthropy, has proven effective in maintaining donor engagement and awareness for two decades, setting a precedent for how personal memorials can evolve into institutionalized charitable forces.