Polite Ink Comedy’s Oh Watta Night Fundraiser Brings Laughter and Hope to Support Rochester Families

A night of laughter is turning into a night of giving as Polite Ink Comedy gears up for its 8th annual “Oh Watta Night” fundraiser, happening this Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 7 p.m. The event will take place at the OFC Creations Theatre Center in Rochester, combining comedy and community spirit to help fight food insecurity across the region.

This year marks the third consecutive partnership between Polite Ink Comedy and The People’s Pantry of Rochester — a collaboration that has become an essential lifeline for families in need.

Karen Craft, artistic director of Polite Ink Comedy, emphasized that 100% of all ticket proceeds will go directly to The People’s Pantry. Audiences are also encouraged to bring food donations or sign up to volunteer, ensuring the event provides more than just laughter.

“We are in our eighth year, and our third year working with The People’s Pantry,” Craft explained in a recent interview. “People can bring donations to the show, they can volunteer, and every dollar from ticket sales goes right to the Pantry.”

For The People’s Pantry, the support couldn’t come at a better time. As food insecurity continues to grow and potential SNAP benefit cuts loom, the organization is working harder than ever to serve the Rochester community. Char Cordone, Executive Director of the Pantry, shared that last year alone they served 9,254 families, amounting to roughly 32,000 people.

“Every Tuesday morning, I go to the public market and shop,” Cordone said. “We need actual cash flow for that, and that’s what allows us to put lots of fresh fruits and vegetables into people’s homes.”

The Pantry’s work depends heavily on local partnerships and grassroots efforts like this. Each contribution — whether it’s a ticket purchase, a bag of donated groceries, or a few hours of volunteer time — helps ensure that families in Rochester have access to healthy, nutritious food.

The “Oh Watta Night” fundraiser has become a cherished annual tradition in Rochester’s performing arts scene, known for its energetic sketches, musical performances, and a community-first attitude. The event doesn’t just raise money; it raises awareness about hunger and encourages residents to lend a hand.

Over the years, Polite Ink Comedy has built a reputation for blending humor with heart, proving that giving back can be as entertaining as it is meaningful. On their official site, Polite Ink Comedy describes the show as “an evening of comedy and compassion,” and this year’s event promises to be no different.

With rising community needs and increasing costs of food, the group hopes that this year’s turnout will be their strongest yet. “It’s about bringing people together,” Craft said. “We want everyone to laugh, but we also want to remind them that they can make a real difference.”

Tickets for “Oh Watta Night” are available through the OFC Creations Theatre Center, and all proceeds will directly support The People’s Pantry of Rochester’s mission to provide food and fresh produce to local families.

So if you’re in Rochester this weekend and looking for a way to enjoy a night out while doing good, grab your tickets, bring a donation, and get ready to laugh for a cause that truly matters.

(You can find more event details on 13WHAM News and on Polite Ink’s official website.)