This charity event is presented under the umbrella o f the "Anita Wise Cares" , with proceeds benefiting Southern Comfort Animal Rescue.
"Anita Wise Cares" - Comedy for a Cause
Please join us Saturday night, August 1st, from 7:00-9:00 PM at Cary's Music Room in the New Hope Inn & Suites (6426 Lower York Road, New Hope, PA) for a spectacular comedy show featuring Julia Scotti, Paul Lyons, and an additional act t o be announced.
This charity event is presented under the umbrella of the "Anita Wise Cares" initiative, with proceeds benefiting Southern Comfort Animal Rescue.
Produced by Janina Akins & Gary Bodner.
Featured Performers
Julia Scotti gained national attention in 2016 as a contestant on America's Got Talent, where she reached the quarterfinals. She was also the subject of the critically acclaimed documentary Julia Scotti: Funny That Way. Additional credits include the film Relatable Joy, appearances on Dry Bar Comedy, and Showtime's More Funny Women of a Certain Age with Carol Montgomery. Her albums include Hello Boys, I'm Back and Primal Cuts. Today, Julia continues touring comedy clubs and theaters, celebrated as a trailblazer who blends humor with honesty about aging, identity, and everyday life.
Paul Lyons is a stand-up comedian, writer, and inspirational speaker. He has contributed to Chicken Soup for the Soul and authored his own book, Carpe Diem, Mañana: M y Lifelong Struggle t o Live Effortlessly. With dozens of television appearances and a recently released Dry Bar Comedy special, Paul continues to tour internationally. He is also a featured speaker at corporate events, conferences, and special engagements.
Vince Valentine A Philadelphia native, Vince has been performing and touring nationally in the one-man Broadway hit “Defending the Caveman” since 2003. It is the longest running One Person show in Broadway history, has been translated into over 50 languages and produced all over the world. Vince has starred as Christopher and toured throughout the United States in “The Soapranos”, an interactive parody of the HBO TV series. He has also starred in “Joey and Maria’s Italian Wedding”. When home in Philadelphia, Vince also teaches a very successful standup comedy workshop.
Honoring Anita Wise
As many of us know, Anita was truly one of a kind. A talented comedian and actress, she worked alongside legends such as Jerry Seinfeld, Bob Hope, and appeared in venues connected to The Tonight Show hosted by Johnny Carson. Beyond her career, Anita was known for her warmth, generosity, and deeply caring spirit.
Her passion for helping people in need became a full-time mission, and she was equally devoted to animals, as her friend Lucia tipped her about a stray kitten showing up a t her friend's porch where she met her beloved feline companion, Melody.
When Anita passed away in 2025, Melody was left without a home. Through a friend's recommendation, we connected with Southern Comfort Animal Rescue (SoCo Rescue), who helped place Melody in a loving home.
About the Cause
In Anita's honor, we created the "Anita Wise Cares" initiative. A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit Southern Comfort Animal Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming abused, abandoned, and unwanted companion animals.
Founded i n 2001 in Savannah, Georgia, SoCo Rescue began by caring for pets left behind when soldiers from Ft. Stewart's 3rd Infantry Division were deployed overseas. The organization relocated to Glenwood, GA in 2006, and i n 2018 established its current home in Tarrytown, GA. Today, SoCo Rescue continues to provide safety, medical care, and hope to animals in need.
Adoption location: Ringoes, NJ.