Levittown’s Eric Todd is a man on a mission. His mission? To make the recovery community laugh. To laugh so hard, for example that you forget your sponsors latest demand to write your first step now that you have three years in recovery
Todd and Witherspoon Productions have teamed up in an effort to support the recovery community with a comedy and arts festival in Bristol Borough Saturday kicking off at 4 pm 925 Canal Street.
The relationship and support between the two organizations goes back about two years now. It was cemented when Todd appeared on Tim Witherspoon Jr’s podcast “Young Black Suburban”
Credit: Young Black Suburban Podcast
Todd said he pitched the Laughs for Recovery idea to Witherspoon Jr, the son of two time Heavyweight Champion Tim Sr, and he was on board from the first comedic jab,
“They understand what’s going on out there. Tim Jr also recognizes the community value of supporting and hosting sober events. This isn’t the first one we’ve partnered on and it won’t be the last. We’ve gone from a boxing venue to VFWs and now it’s a comedy and arts festival.”
Todd’s personal commitment to recovery efforts, he has more than six years sober is also part of his everyday work life as it helps those in need access life saving supports and community resources.
Todd said funds from the festival will go to Angels In Motion who in turn will use the funds to support the recovery efforts of women in need. “AIM is changing the way those suffering with the disease of addiction are treated, one life at a time,” a spokesperson said.
Tim Jr’s Business Manager, Willie Johnson said he knows all too well from a personal perspective how alcohol, or any other addictive substance can turn a person’s life upside down.
I got a DUI not too long ago and I had that you know wake up moment, he said. I invested some time in getting things right, about 13 weeks or. So yea Witherspoon Boxing and Fitness is more than happy to support sober recovery efforts. You don’t hear much laughter after the police cuff you up, right?
The boxing and fitness center opened its doors more than five years ago in Bristol and partners in every community based effort it can.
Todd wanted to make it clear if profanity isn’t your thing the comics performing might not be your thing/
“More importantly” he said “This isn’t a 12- step meeting. Anyone, and I mean anyone cane come. And for those of you, especially in early recovery, needing a sober night out. Leave the recovery sponsors and step work at home. Saturday is dedicated to laughs for recovery.
Fitness, boxing, comedy and the arts. How’s that knockout combination, he said.
They say there are “No Musts” in recovery. We disagree! Laughter, hilarity, and sober fun is a “must.”
Tickets are $20 .They can be purchased online by using the scan code. Please keep in there is an additional service charge of about $3.50. They can also be purchased at the door.
Credit: Submitted
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