LOWELL — On stage, Jeff Dunham is all about jokes and smiles.
But Dunham also knows life these days is no laughing matter for some. And that was evident when the ventriloquist/comedian donated $20,000 to Lazarus House Ministries of Lawrence after his show at the Tsongas Arena last night.
"The man has a heart for goodness," said a jubilant Bridget Shaheen, Lazarus House's executive director. "I'm shocked. I'm grateful."
Lazarus House is a nonprofit charity that serves the poor, sick and homeless of the Merrimack Valley. The charity has a $250,000 budget deficit it's trying to close by March 31. Dunham's unexpected check fills nearly 10 percent of the void, Shaheen noted.
Beyond the deficit, the need for Lazarus House's services has never been so great. It's shelter is overflowing and people in need are turned away, Shaheen said. Eight tons of food are being handed out weekly in sharp contrast to the 3 1/2 tons at this time last year.
"It's enormous," Shaheen said. "He's an incredible guardian angel ... just fantastic."
Shaheen was also taken aback by Dunham's modesty.
"He downplayed this. He really didn't want any accolades," she said.
Dunham is a 47-year-old divorced father of three from Texas. "The Jeff Dunham Show" is one of the Comedy Central's most popular series ever.
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