PBMC Health is working to replace the celebrity entertainer it had booked for the organization’s Candlelight Ball, scheduled for May 31 at the Suffolk Theater.
Stand-up comedian David Brenner, who was scheduled to appear at the annual event, passed away Saturday after a battle with cancer.
“We are working to book a replacement,” said PBMC Health development officer Demetrios Kadenas. Another comedian has been lined up but arrangements have not yet been finalized, Kadenas said.
“We spoke to Brenner’s agent in January and the star was in remission. We are saddened by this news and extend our condolences to Mr. Brenner’s family.”
Brenner, 78, became a comedy star in the 1970s and was a frequent guest on the Tonight Show in the 70s and 80s. He was an Emmy award-winning writer, director and producer before turning to comedy.
Kadenas said PBMC’s “save the date” postcards about the annual ball hit most mailboxes on Saturday, with news of the comedian’s death following that evening.
“We’ve been getting a lot of calls about it this week,” Kadenas said.
The Candlelight Ball is one of PBMC Health’s major fundraisers. This year’s honorees are Peggy and Stan Zinberg and Physician of the Year Agostino Cervone, MD.
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