Comedian's Pencil-Selling Venture Raises Funds for Hurricane Relief

Cliff Hornsby, a local comedian known by his stage name "Gerry Atric," was preparing for his first appearance in the "Florida's Funniest Comedian" contest when Hurricane Helene struck. Despite the setback, Hornsby found a unique way to raise funds for hurricane relief efforts, turning his misfortune into an opportunity to entertain and support his community.

Turning Adversity into Opportunity: Cliff Hornsby's Inspiring Story

Weathering the Storm: Hornsby's Hurricane Helene Experience

Cliff Hornsby, a resident of Tangerine Bay Condominium, was looking forward to showcasing his comedic talents at the "Florida's Funniest Comedian" contest, scheduled to be hosted at McCurdy's Comedy Theatre on September 25th. However, the news of Hurricane Helene's impending arrival forced the organizers to postpone the event to October 30th.Despite not being on the first floor, Hornsby experienced some challenges during the storm. "I lost power for about 24 hours, but thankfully, I had a generator," he recalled. The real blow came when he went to check on his car in the garage, only to find it completely submerged in several feet of water. The damage was estimated to cost around $17,000 to repair, leading Hornsby to decide to total the car and purchase a new one.

Turning Lemons into Lemonade: Hornsby's Pencil-Selling Venture

Hornsby, known for his ability to find humor in difficult situations, decided to turn his misfortune into an opportunity. Inspired by the idea of raising funds for a local hurricane relief effort, he took to the streets of Sarasota, armed with a supply of pencils and his trusty canine companion."I have been selling the pencils for $1 and have only sold about 15 pencils because I don't stay there long enough," Hornsby admitted. "I really am not a good busker because, after just a few minutes, I am ready to go inside. It was just a joke to make people smile after the storm but also a super fun way to get out there and show people what I do."Despite his self-proclaimed lack of busking skills, Hornsby's unique approach to fundraising has captured the attention of his friends and the local community. "To many of his friends' surprise, Hornsby headed out to Main Street in Sarasota and started selling pencils with his dog. Not taking it too seriously, he hoped to make people laugh with his 'Gerry Atric' shirt and his relatable jokes."

Giving Back Through Comedy: Hornsby's Upcoming Performances

In addition to his pencil-selling venture, Hornsby has plans to host two comedy shows at McCurdy's Comedy Theatre and his church, Faith Lutheran Church, with the proceeds going towards a local hurricane relief fund. This dual approach of using his comedic talents and his entrepreneurial spirit to support his community is a testament to Hornsby's resilience and commitment to making a positive impact."I really am not a good busker because, after just a few minutes, I am ready to go inside. It was just a joke to make people smile after the storm but also a super fun way to get out there and show people what I do," Hornsby said, reflecting on his unique fundraising efforts.Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, Cliff Hornsby, the local comedian known as "Gerry Atric," has found a way to turn adversity into an opportunity to entertain, support his community, and showcase his comedic talents. His inspiring story serves as a reminder that even in the face of unexpected obstacles, creativity, humor, and a willingness to give back can make a meaningful difference.