The comics that care: Jon Stites, Troy Davis, Stan Chen, Marques Bunn, and Mike Polites.

Comedy Sportz, known for its improve, was stirring up laughs of a different sort on Monday night as it hosted the fifth annual Comics That Care to benefit The Salvation Army’s Homelessness Bites campaign.

The live stand-up comedy event sponsored by the IUPUI Department of Communication Studies, the IUPUI Communication Club and The Salvation Army, raises money to help Central Indiana’s homeless children. Some of the area’s funniest professional stand-up comedians helped the cause including Stan Chen, Marques Bunn, Jon Stites, Troy Davis, and Mike Polites who conceived of Comics that care five years ago.

In addition to performing stand-up comedy, Polites is also a Lecturer in Communication Studies at IUPUI. Polites says that “as faculty members at IUPUI, we pride ourselves on getting our students to realize the importance of helping out the community. With all of the comedians graciously donating their time, proceeds from the comedy show will assist in bringing much-needed resources to the growing homeless population in Indianapolis. I’m so proud of the efforts that my students have put forth in coordinating this very special and very funny event.

Also helping out with the event was Comedy Sportz, who donated the venue for the evening.  Comedy Sportz has been a partner with The Salvation Army for years, helping out with the Tree of Lights campaign, Apple Fest, and other Salvation Army events.

The Comics That Care: Auggie Smith, Mike Polites, Marques Bunn, and Stan Chen.

Over 2 hours of laughter echoed through the IUPUI Campus Center as The Department of Communication Studies, the Communication Club, and the Salvation Army presented the 4th annual Comics That Care charity event to benefit Central Indiana’s Homeless Children.  Some of the area’s funniest professional stand-up comedians donated their time, including the headliner, a Bob and Tom Show favorite, Auggie Smith. Smith, has been doing comedy for over 15 years and has been seen on Comedy Centeral . Other comedians performing were some of Indy’s funniest folks including: Stan Chen, Marques Bunn, and Mike Polites.

In addition to performing stand-up comedy, Polites is also a Lecturer in Communication Studies at IUPUI. Polites says that “as faculty members at IUPUI, we pride ourselves on getting our students to realize the importance of helping out the community. With all of the comedians graciously donating their time, proceeds from the comedy show will assist in bringing much-needed resources to the growing homeless population in Indianapolis. I’m so proud of the efforts that my students have put forth in coordinating this very special and very funny event. In these tough times, everyone can use a laugh.”