Over $11,000 raised at comedian’s fundraiser

During the Canyon Lake Newbie and Social Club’s first comedy night late last year, comedian Johnny Herrera revealed that his father had Stage 3 cancer.

Johnny is a popular and locally-loved comedian and is friends with several Canyon Lakers, including the club’s founders Brad and Jonda Morton.

Participants at the Newbies Comedy Event fundraiser gather after the festivities. From left, they are Bradley Morton, Comedian Johnny Herrera Jr., Comedian P-Man Turner, Johnny Herrera Sr. and Jonda Morton. Photo by Bradley Morton

Upon hearing of Johnny Herrera Sr.’s fight against cancer and his mounting medical bills, the club decided to take action. Because of the strong turnout and popularity of the first club comedy night, it was determined a second comedy night and fundraiser would be held with proceeds going to Johnny Sr. However, the event was ultimately postponed for several months because of COVID-19 issues until March 13.

Many members of the club declared it was a smashing success. Not only did club members laugh the night away, but they also met their $10,000 goal. With the assistance of a raffle and impromptu auction, they raised $11,202 by the end of the evening.

The successful fundraiser was a classic example of “neighbors helping neighbors” within this social club.

“I sincerely wish to thank everyone who donated to help a wonderful person during a stressful time in his life,” co-founder of the Newbies Club, Brad Morton, said. “I want to thank our local business sponsors: Zier Pools & Outdoor Living, Jungle Island Paintball Park, American Dream Realty, Proactive Legal PC, CrackBusters Windshield Repair, Canyon Lake Market, Eastport Market, Canyon Cowboy, PZA and Sports Stop. We couldn’t have done it without them.”

Johnny Herrera and his father, Johnny Herrera Sr. Photo provided by Johnny Herrera

With almost 500 members, the club’s next event will be its ninth and is scheduled for early April. As the POA elections draw near, they plan a “Meet the Candidates Cocktail Hour” with all of the six POA candidates being invited.

The club’s goal is simple: to help introduce both new and longtime Canyon Lakers to one another while having a blast in the process, Brad said.

By all accounts, this rapidly-growing club is achieving this goal for many community residents. Those interested in joining the Newbie Social Club can find more information on its Facebook page at Canyon Lake (CA) Newbie & Social Club.