Are you ready to stand up for mental health with a little laughter?
Hey, Vibers! I’m beyond excited to announce that I’m teaming up with Columbia University’s Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health to host “WHO Stands Up for Mental Health” on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at the iconic Gotham Comedy Club in New York City. This night is going to be magical, and yes, there will be laughter—but we’re also talking about something close to my heart: mental health.
So, what exactly are we doing? We’re mixing stand-up comedy (because, let’s face it, laughter really is one of the best medicines) with an opportunity to support the incredible work that Columbia-WHO Center is doing to reduce the global burden of mental disorders, fight stigma, and make evidence-based treatment more accessible worldwide.
Why This Event Matters
Did you know that one in four people worldwide will experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime? That’s a staggering number, and unfortunately, many people, especially in low-resource settings, don’t have access to the care they need. Mental health issues are global, but so is the fight to make mental health care available for everyone.
That’s where the Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health comes in. They’re on a mission to make sure people everywhere get the mental health support they need, whether it’s through research, advocacy, or training health professionals. And you—yes, you—can be a part of this mission by joining us for a night of laughter and good vibes.
Meet the Comedians
I’ll be kicking off the night, but the laughs don’t stop with me. We’ve got a phenomenal lineup of comedians who are bringing their best to the stage:
- Ashley Austin Morris: You’ve seen her on shows like “Fleishman is in Trouble,” “Inventing Anna,” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Ashley’s comedy is bold, witty, and downright hilarious. She’s a regular at New York Comedy Club and Gotham Comedy Club, so you know she’ll bring the heat!
- Juan Nicolon: Juan is a stand up comedian, writer and occasional nude model. His comedy has been described as “Larry David meets Sofia Vergara”, a thing he takes as a big compliment. He is a long time writer and performer at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater and a former on screen talent for FLAMA, Univision’s bilingual digital platform where his viral videos were viewed over 20 million times. He has written for McSweeney’s and his work was featured in Huffington Post, BuzzFeed, Latina Magazine, Time Out NY and The New York Times. He is originally from Uruguay (the other Paraguay).
- Casey Balsham: Casey’s comedy has been featured on Gotham Comedy Live and Lifetime, and her debut album, “Son of a Barb,” hit number one on iTunes. With her relatable humor and knack for turning life’s awkward moments into laugh-out-loud stories, Casey’s set is one you won’t want to miss.
- Charles McBee: With appearances on FOX’s “Laughs” and AXS TV’s “Gotham Comedy Live,” Charles mixes personal stories with sharp social commentary. His humor is clever, positive, and always on point, making you laugh while also making you think.
- Oscar Aydin: Originally from Chicago, Oscar has been featured on LOGO, Bravo, and BBC Reels. Known for his sassy and eccentric comedy, Oscar is all about bringing joy to every stage he steps on—whether it’s a small room or a packed theater.
- Mike Vecchione: Mike Vecchione is a New York City based Comedian, who has been performing in the city clubs and across the country, for more than 20 years. A former special education teacher, Mike got his start in Philadelphia, before moving to the big apple where he has gained the respect of the industry, comedy clubs and his fellow comedians. Mike has a sarcastic, joke heavy style combined with sharp writing and an understated delivery that leaves audiences in stitches. Mike has multiple Tonight Show Appearances, and has been on Netflix, Comedy Central, and Hulu. Mike has also appeared in the movie, The King of Staten Island, starring Pete Davidson and he currently has a one-hour comedy special available now on YouTube called, The Attractives, directed and produced by friend and fellow comedian, Nate Bargatze.
Here’s What You Get
If you come to the event, you’re not just attending a comedy show. You’ll also be supporting a powerful cause that has the potential to change lives around the world. Plus, your ticket includes:
- Stand-up comedy performances (get ready to laugh!)
- Open bar (hello, drinks!)
- Appetizer reception (because who doesn’t love snacks?)
Let’s be real for a second—how often do you get to laugh your heart out while making a meaningful impact on global mental health? This event is a win-win.
Oh, and just in case you were wondering—yes, it’s 21+ only. Sorry, kiddos, this one’s for the grown-ups.
How to Grab Your Tickets
Now, I know you’re thinking, “Okay, Ky, how do I snag my ticket for this night of fun and good vibes?” I got you! Here’s the rundown:
- Global Supporter Seat: $200.00
- Global Champion Table (includes 4 tickets): $5,000.00
- Global Benefactor Table (includes 6 tickets): $7,500.00
- Global Ambassador Table (includes 8 tickets): $10,000.00
To grab your spot, head to this link, and secure your tickets today. Tables are assigned upon arrival, so the earlier you grab your ticket, the better!
Why Laughter is Part of the Cure
I’m sure many of you have heard me say this before: “Laughter might not solve all our problems, but it sure helps us cope!” And that’s the beauty of this event—we’re not just raising awareness about mental health, but we’re also using humor to make the conversation a little easier to have. After all, mental health doesn’t always have to be heavy. Sometimes, finding joy in the journey is part of the healing.
Plus, laughter has legit health benefits! Studies show that laughing can:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Improve your mood
- Strengthen your immune system
- Promote relaxation
So, yes—comedy really is part of the cure!
The Power of Community
One of my favorite things about events like this is the sense of community that forms when people come together to support a cause bigger than themselves. We’re all in this mental health journey together. Whether you’ve personally struggled, know someone who has, or simply want to support a cause that’s changing lives globally, this night is for you.
And in case you’re worried about feeling out of place—don’t be. I can promise you that everyone at the event is there to support each other, have fun, and make a difference. Plus, I’ll be there, so you know the vibe is going to be good!
FAQs
Q. What is the Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health? A. The Columbia-WHO Center is a group of multidisciplinary experts from Columbia University and beyond. They focus on advancing mental health research, capacity building, and training professionals to make mental health care more accessible worldwide. Their work includes everything from developing tools for mental health diagnosis to creating training resources for healthcare workers.
Q. What’s included in the ticket price? A. Your ticket gets you access to stand-up comedy performances, an open bar, and an appetizer reception. Plus, you’ll be supporting a global effort to reduce mental health stigma and improve access to care.
Q. How can I support the cause if I can’t attend the event? A. If you can’t make it in person, you can still donate to the Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health directly on their website or share information about the event with friends and family who may be interested in attending.
Support Mental Health in Your Life
Even if you can’t attend the event, there’s something we can all do right now: start the conversation about mental health. Whether it’s checking in on a friend, talking to a mental health professional, or simply sharing your story, your voice matters. Every conversation we have helps break the stigma.
So, I hope you’ll join me in standing up for mental health—whether it’s by attending the event, making a donation, or simply being part of the conversation.
This is your chance to make a difference, one laugh at a time.
Much love. Good vibes. – Ky
