The Comedy Store establishes Comedian Assistance Fund, with assigned MPTF social worker

In the wake of Mitzi Shore’s death two months ago, The Comedy Store has partnered with the Motion Picture & Television Fund to create a Comedians Assistance Fund.

The MPTF, based in Southern California, is devoted toward helping elderly members of show business age with dignity. The Comedians Assistance Fund will specifically benefit former Comedy Store paid regulars and old-timers, with services including emergency financial assistance, counseling and referrals, health care and insurance guidance, senior care, and more.

The Comedy Store, led by CEO Peter Shore (Mitzi’s son and Pauly’s brother), will provide funding via a two-year grant, while the MPTF will provide a full-time social worker for the comedians.

“Our mother possessed a special quality of being able to develop talent, but was also incredibly nurturing,” Peter Shore said. “She cared deeply about the individual needs of the artist and for many comedians, it was their first time being accepted by anyone. Our mother spent her entire adult life caring for comedians.”

To learn more or donate, call (818) 861-3939.

Sean L. McCarthy

Editor and publisher since 2007, when he was named New York's Funniest Reporter. Former newspaper reporter at the New York Daily News, Boston Herald and smaller dailies and community papers across America. Loves comedy so much he founded this site.

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