The comedy star lovingly known as “Fluffy” is lending a hand to Texans in need through a San Antonio benefit show.
SAN ANTONIO — In July, the popular comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias joined a lineup of musicians and other performers in San Antonio to raise money for those affected by the devastating Hill Country floods.
Three months later, Iglesias is returning to San Antonio to pitch in for another group in need: hungry South Texas families.
He announced Thursday on Instagram that he’ll be bringing the laughs at Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club. But instead of buying a ticket like usual, Iglesias asked those wanting to see him to bring cans of food to be donated to the San Antonio Food Bank.
Five cans of food, he said, gets you a wristband for entry. Another five gets you another wristband and so on, but “all guests must be wristbanded at time of food donation.”
“I will not be selling tickets for this,” Iglesias said on Instagram, while teasing other special guests. “You can only attend the show if you bring cans of food… bring the food, it’s not for me this time.”
Iglesias’ show of goodwill comes at a pivotal time for the San Antonio Food Bank (SAFB), which services a large region around the Alamo City. According to Michael Guerra, chief philanthropy officer for the food bank, SAFB has been servicing up to about 50,000 more families a week – on top of the regular average of 105,000 families – since the federal government shutdown began at the start of October.
That amounts to a roughly 50% jump of families in need of food during the holiday season.
SAFB will be collecting the donations at the comedy club (618 Northwest Loop 410 #312) from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday before the comedy show begins at 3 p.m. Should the show “sell out,” that means the benefit drive will have brought in at least 1,750 cans of food.
“We anticipate it helping hundreds and hundreds of families,” Guerra said of the anticipated donations. “Incredibly grateful for Fluffy leaning in.”
Originally from San Diego, Iglesias has frontlined comedy specials for Comedy Central and Netflix, lent his voice to animated movies, and racked up 2.4 million views on his official YouTube channel.
Other help for Texans
Other San Antonio nonprofits are stepping up to help neighbors during this period of uncertainty.
Family Service says demand for its emergency food panty has doubled in recent weeks, and it anticipates having to help even more in November. The Salvation Army is seeking donations to continue providing needy Texans with food. And those needing assistance can also fill out a form to get daily hot meals courtesy of Corazon San Antonio downtown.
For more on those resources, click here.