Joke at the Oak Comedy Showcase to Benefit Association of Horizon

In 1991, a group of individuals realized the lack of recreational and social/emotional opportunities for adults with disabilities and sought to meet this need.  Thus Association of Horizon was born.  Recognizing that adults with disabilities are often burdened with numerous expenses for medical treatment, medications, therapies, and equipment, the volunteers worked tirelessly throughout the year to raise funds to ensure that every camper was able to attend free of charge.  
One year later, Horizon launched its very first camp with 65 campers.  During the seven-day camp, adults with disabilities came together to safely participate in physical and recreational activities which were adapted to meet each camper’s individual needs.  With a medical team and a trained volunteer for each participant, the week-long camp meant that primary caregivers were able to rest and recharge, knowing that the adult they care for throughout the year was well cared for at summer camp. Additionally, camp gave adults with disabilities the rare opportunity to come together to socialize and forge meaningful friendships that have lasted a lifetime.
Today, more than 25 years since its first camp, Horizon continues to improve the quality of life for adults with disabilities through the successful program model it has developed and refined which addresses the physical, social, and emotional needs of adults with disabilities.  With more than 100 adults with disabilities attending summer camp, Timber Point Outdoor Center in Hudson, Illinois operates at full capacity.  
Through summer camp and other events throughout the year, Horizon seeks to serve as many adults with disabilities as possible for many years to come.

Joke at the Oak was started December 12, 2018 as an open mic to give rising comedians a chance to compete for featured, and headlining sets every Wednesday and to participate in our new monthly charity showcase.

Our Host Pat Treuer: Pat, Colorado raised, started doing stand up when he was a young man at 23. After his first show he knew that comedy and making lives better one laugh at a time was his true dream. As a young comedian there was one show that didn’t go quite as well and left him feeling discouraged and doubting himself. At that point he chose to walk down the path of corporate life. After 13 years of working for money instead of happiness he realized something was missing. It was time to get back on the horse, and back to doing what he loves. Pat decided to quit his job and put everything he has into his dream, being a comedian. Knowing the struggle for up and comers, he was inspired to start his own weekly show at his favorite bar in Chicago, The Irish Oak. He has since then encouraged and inspired many new comedians to not be afraid to follow their dreams. Not only is Pat genuine and kind, he is pretty hilarious. Every week Joke at the Oak gets better and better, and every week another funny human with a dream gets the confidence to do what they love.