MILWAUKEE — Charlie Berens, a Milwaukee comedian and creator of the popular online satirical news series "Manitowoc Minute," is giving us a brief comedic break from the craziness of the coronavirus.
"When you're doing comedy, you're looking for recognition, you know, like things you can relate to, and everyone is in the same situation," Berens said.
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It's important to laugh. It helps us heal differently.
His brand of uniquely Midwestern comedy is a breath of fresh air during a time we are asked not to go outside.
"I mean, that's just a testimony to comedy and comedy that speaks to you and your culture," Berens said.
He understands that he can bond any Wisconsinite together because we are all experiencing the same thing.
However, his comedy is producing more than just a few laughs. He is making a real impact on community organizations too.
He was able to raise, "$2,000 to Milwaukee Public Schools (for) their food program and then $1,000 to the Boys and Girls club."
The Vodka company, Luksusowa, made a $5,000 donation to Children's Wisconsin after being featured in one of his skits.
His fans have even donated PPE to Children's after his dad, who works at Children's, appeared in the same video as Luksowa.
"Once you make people laugh, you make them listen too," Berens said.
We can get through this together. We have to remember to help our neighbor and take a moment to laugh now and then.