Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna Director Michelle Scott and Vienna Mayor Laurie diRocco spend a moment with “flat Mack,” a cut-out image of Mack Dryden, nationally-known headliner for SCOV’s annual benefit fundraiser on Oct. 26. Photo courtesy of Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna
When the Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna (SCPV) hosts a fundraiser, it does so big-time, pulling in professional artists esteemed in their fields. The nonprofit’s 2015 benefit, on Sunday, Oct. 25, at Oakton High School, features television actor, comedian, award-winning reporter and humorous inspirational speaker Mack Dryden. To add to his personal credentials, Dryden has beaten cancer twice and approaches his treatment and victory with levity. Dryden brings his humor – via The Tonight Show and nationally – to Vienna for one performance only in support of the programs and mission of the Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna.
“It’s clean, family fun,” said SCOV’s Jayne Young. “He’s hilarious, very sharp-witted.”
Dryden, who partnered with comedian Jamie Alcroft for 35 years before separating, has appeared in movies, television, cancer survival celebrations and benefits across the United States. He earned a black belt in karate while going for a creative writing degree. Here’s a guy who can even make light of his stay in an African prison.
SCOV supports “aging in place” and “purposeful, independent living” for mature adults. Its model is seniors helping seniors --- through car rides to appointments, learning programs, social activities and cultural enrichment. Their annual fundraiser supports the bulk of the year’s programming and services.
For a sample of Dryden’s humor, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lSliucgygc. Available clips include What Women REALLY Need, Plastic Wrap Blues, My Mouf is Nub, Funniest Cancer Survival Celebration Speaker in America, Ode to Forgetfulness.
Dryden’s bio is at http://www.eaglestalent.com/Mack-Dryden.
To buy tickets online, go to www.scov.org/fundraiser-tickets.htm. To pay by check, make check payable to Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna, and mail to 541 Marshall Road SW, Vienna, VA 22180.