- February 5, 2026
-
-
Loading
Loading
Bradenton’s Tim Boyd, a pastor turned-comedian, travels the country performing comedy anywhere from comedy clubs to churches.
Fundraisers, particularly ones that help at-risk children, are where Boyd enjoys performing the most.
“People want to be a part of something bigger,” said Boyd, who began his comedy career four years ago. “Doing something like this, what you do is you're not just making people laugh, but you're also giving them the feeling of being generous.”
Boyd and comedian Juanita Lolita are the two headliners for “Hearts of Hope: A Valentine’s Comedy Night” which will be held Feb. 13 at Oasis Church in Lakewood Ranch. The opening performer is 80-year-old, blind comedian Jean Marcley.
It is a fundraiser with a goal of raising $12,000 that will be split evenly between nonprofits Harbor58, Foster the Family, and Bring on the Ministry. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about their organizations, see live entertainment and eat charcuterie cups and chocolate-covered strawberries.
Boyd said although he likes being in the spotlight as a comedian, it’s important to focus the spotlight on those who are doing important work behind the scenes.
Along with his work as a comedian, Boyd is also the director of Guardian Angels of Southwest Florida, which “provides hope and homes for children in foster care.” Guardian Angels is not one of the organizations receiving funds for the event, but that didn’t stop Boyd from being part of it.
“People love to give, and so this way, what you do is you hook up the hearts of people with the mission of the organizations,” Boyd said.
Harbor58 is a nonprofit that works to support children aging out of foster care. It is “full speed ahead” in building housing for those young people.
Alisha Pavacich is the program director for Harbor58. She said fundraising is a huge opportunity for all of the organizations who will benefit, but the biggest goal is raising awareness and keeping the public aware of the progress.
“I love the idea of having it here (at Oasis Church),” Pavacich said. “People can drive in and be like, ‘Wow, they're moving dirt,’ because that's our campus back there. Every time I drive in, I'm screaming in my car because it has not gotten old to me. I know a lot of people who are coming have been following our journey. Having them pull in and see the dirt moving, that's exciting.”
Kimberlee Peralta, director for Foster the Family, said the organization works to “show up for vulnerable children and the families welcoming them with intentional and consistent community and support.”
“I just love that the organizations are focusing on the things that they're really good at, but also giving us the opportunity to have people — our donors, volunteers and our followers — be exposed to the other nonprofits in our area that are serving our community so well.”
Melinda Zarzycki-Harris founded Bring On the Ministry eight years ago. It works to meet the basic needs of people with an emphasis on homelessness, seniors and veterans such as helping with food stamps, birth certificates, employment and more.
“Anytime partners come together in our community, it shows a united front,” Zarzycki-Harris said. “We are the ones who help families with reunification — we help with IDs and the things that they need to get children back. The flip side is, once they've aged out of foster care, often they need our assistance with other things, so it's a great community partnership for all of us.”
Lolita began her comedy career by accident 13 years ago after being signed up for an open mic night. She has since done comedy full time touring the country which has included opening for Shawn Wayans of the movies “White Chicks” and “Scary Movie.” Like Boyd, Lolita performs clean comedy sets.
“I perform God-honoring comedy in secular comedy clubs to tell people about Christ,” Lolita said. “It is my mission field. Anytime that I can do something that will further his kingdom and help people (such as fundraisers like this one) I want to do that.”
Boyd said he does the same sets at both comedy clubs and churches as all of his jokes are “clean and nice.” His set for the fundraiser will be about Valentine’s Day and he joked that it works because he has been married “25 years consecutively to the same person,” his wife Mindy.
Pavacich hates going out on Valentine’s Day due to restaurants being crowded. She said an event like this is perfect for couples to celebrate their love and also make a difference.
“Knowing that you can come somewhere and not only sit and have a nice night that doesn't feel rushed, doesn't feel pretentious, but you're also doing something good for the heart as well as giving back,” Pavacich said. “If I wasn't a part of this and I just heard about it, that would be like a win-win because the money is going to a good cause.”
Zarzycki-Harris said the comedians do a phenomenal job and she hopes those in attendance show great generosity. She said it shows love for not only Valentine’s Day, but for the community.
