Laugh for a Cause: An Evening of Comedy Returns October 3

Get ready for a night of laughter, connection and giving back!

Council on Aging – Southern California’s An Evening of Comedy returns Saturday, October 3, 2026, for a memorable night under the stars at the Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel.

Guests will enjoy cocktails alfresco, dinner, a Golden Opportunity Drawing, Mystery Wine Cellar, live auction and a comedy hour featuring three crowd favorites—all while supporting Council on Aging – Southern California and programs that make a difference in the lives of older adults throughout our community.

Headlining Comedian Don McMillan

Former Silicon Valley engineer turned award-winning comedian Don McMillan isn’t your typical stand-up comic. He combines his technical background with smart, clean humor—and plenty of charts, graphs and Venn diagrams—to create what has been called “The Funniest PowerPoint Presentation You’ll Ever See!”

Recently featured on America’s Got Talent, Don made it to the Top 12 and performed in the Finals. His signature video, Life After Death by PowerPoint, has been viewed more than 50 million times.

This year, Don McMillan 2.0: Powered by AI takes on artificial intelligence, technology and the absurdities of everyday life with a fresh collection of charts, observations and laughs.

Joining Don on Stage

Southern California favorite Fritz Coleman returns as MC & Comedian. After nearly four decades as NBC4’s beloved weathercaster, Fritz continues to entertain audiences with his warm observational humor, storytelling and unmistakably Southern California perspective.

Frances Dilorinzo also returns to the Evening of Comedy stage with her energetic and relatable take on family, relationships, aging and everyday life.

Together, Don, Fritz and Frances promise a comedy hour filled with smart humor, familiar faces and plenty of laughs.

Dinner Under the Stars

The evening begins with cocktails alfresco followed by dinner. Guests can select from three entrées:

Prosciutto-Wrapped Beef Filet
Herb cheese stuffing, chive mashed potatoes, roasted carrots and sauce poivrée.

Miso-Sake Glazed Chilean Sea Bass
Bay shrimp fried rice, garlic broccolini and yuzu butter sauce.

Jackfruit Cake (Gluten-Free & Vegetarian)
Tomato risotto and roasted corn succotash.

Dinner also includes a California Chopped Salad and concludes with a Crème Brûlée Tart featuring silky vanilla custard and burnt sugar in a graham cracker tart shell.

Celebrating the Heart of SmileMakers

This year’s 2026 Impact Award honors the SmileMakers Volunteer Team, recognizing 16 core volunteers whose dedication has helped bring comfort and connection to thousands of older and disabled adults living in long-term care.

Some members of the team have been involved with SmileMakers since 1987—representing nearly four decades of service.

What began as a small effort delivering hundreds of holiday gifts has grown into a year-round program helping residents feel remembered, valued and connected through holiday gifts, heartfelt cards and milestone celebrations.

The Impact Award celebrates not only what these volunteers accomplish, but also the compassion and human connection at the heart of their work.

Laughter That Makes a Difference

An Evening of Comedy is about much more than a great night out. Funds raised support Council on Aging – Southern California and the SmileMakers Holiday Gift Project, helping COASC continue its mission to promote the independence, health and dignity of older adults through compassion, education and advocacy.

Through SmileMakers, thousands of older and disabled adults living in long-term care receive individually selected and wrapped holiday gifts—often reaching residents who may otherwise go without a gift during the holiday season.

Your support also strengthens COASC’s broader work on behalf of older adults and families throughout Southern California, including trusted information and assistance, advocacy, education and programs that help people remain connected, informed and supported as they age.

Every ticket purchased, auction bid and contribution helps extend that impact.

Join us for an evening filled with great food, generous giving and, most importantly, plenty of laughter.

An Evening of Comedy 2026

Saturday, October 3, 2026
5:30–9:30 PM
Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel
4500 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach, CA 92660

Tickets: $300 per person

Cocktails Alfresco • Dinner • Golden Opportunity Drawing • Mystery Wine Cellar • Live Auction • Comedy Hour

Reserve your seats today at www.coasc.org/eoc.