Rocketown’s Comedy for a Cause Celebrates 30 Years

Rocketown’s annual Comedy for a Cause was made all the more special this year, as it celebrated the organization’s three decades of service.

As attendees entered the impressive venue, they perused an array of silent auction items that immediately put them in the giving spirit. Rocketown’s cofounder, Michael W. Smith, welcomed the crowd, marveling that Rocketown has served more than 1 million kids during its 30 years in existence. All those young people, he said, have been shown love and given hope. 

Matt Rogers, voice of the Tennessee Titans, got the party underway by auctioning off five items live. As guests enjoyed their short rib dinner, they got the chance to bid on items like a four-seat golf cart, an Alaskan cruise with Michael, and tea with Tennessee’s first lady, Maria Lee, who attended the event alongside her husband, Gov. Bill Lee. 

This year, the Betty Dickens Award went to two people: Bill Wright and the late Latrisha Jemison. Both recipients, who were honored for donating time and helping hearts, were recognized with a video presentation.

Lemy, a current Rocketown teen, moved the crowd with his firsthand testimony. Though he was originally drawn to Rocketown for skateboarding and family meals, Lemy decided to stick around for the community he found. Kenny Alonzo, Rocketown’s executive director, spoke about the organization’s plans to expand and, hopefully, “change futures through Christ’s love” across the country. 

Of course, it wouldn’t be Comedy for a Cause without a few jokes. Standup comedian Aaron Weber delighted the crowd with a hysterical set. Smiles were abundant, and guests learned that, through their generosity, Rocketown was able to raise vital funds to serve young people in the community.