A Good Laugh for a Good Cause

Thursday, May 24 marks Red Nose Day, the annual fundraising campaign for children in need. After launching in the UK in 1988, the initiative made its way to the States, where it has raised over $100 million. Hosted by M&M’S, a Mars, Incorporated brand, this year’s Red Nose Day will feature a theatrical twist.

M&Ms is partnering with City Year Chicago and Chicago Academy High School to get students on stage. With facilitators from The Second City Works and Saturday Night Live’s Vanessa Bayer, teens were encouraged to tell their stories. On May 15, The Second City hosted “Step Up to the Mic: An Evening of Comedy with M&M’S In Support of Red Nose Day.”

Allison Miazga-Bedrick, Senior Brand Director, M&M'S Brand said, "Red Nose Day brings communities and cities together around the world through laughter, and we are thrilled to bring some of this colorful fun to Chicago."

On the national scale, there will be a special night of programming on NBC on May 24. The fourth annual “Red Nose Day Special,” hosted by Chris Hardwick will feature special celebrity editions of “American Ninja Warrior,” and “Hollywood Game Night.”