“Eric’s life includes karaoke, chicken parmesan and making people laugh”
By Kathleen Stauffer
When Franco of K-Hits began putting together his latest Comedy for a Cause show to raise money for a local nonprofit, he knew where to find a comic. A member of The Arc Eastern Connecticut’s volunteer corps, Eric had once shared the airwaves with Franco.
At The Arc’s Strides Road Race fundraiser a few years before, on a particularly sunny day, Eric and Franco brought a last-minute round of runners down to Camp Harkness setting a new attendance record.
“I’m excited to be doing comedy workshops with Eric. He’s a naturally funny guy and should be given the opportunity to get on the comedy stage and entertain,” Franco says. “I’ll probably learn a thing or two from him.”
Eric confesses to a bit of nerves. The Niantic resident says he doesn’t want to get booed off stage. On the other hand, Eric likes the limelight and celebrity. “I like being cool and stuff. An inveterate prankster, he has a knack for getting people laughing.
Eric belts out karaoke with gusto every chance he gets. Among his favorites are Nickelback and Kid Rock. One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful” is his signature song. Getting a feel for the room, getting the mood going with the audience drives Eric’s love for the stage – and his confidence. “When I go up there, I mean business.”
He also likes to volunteer around town and cook chicken parmesan. Will he share the recipe? Eric laughs. “I’m not telling you. That’s my secret, and my mom’s secret.”
Eric’s mother Tammy lives in Cromwell. He has two brothers, two sisters and four nieces.
Video games, relaxing, enjoying large decaf iced coffees and Dunkin’ Donuts’ new banana split flavor all are on Eric’s daily to-do list. Being on the air with Franco ranks at the top, though. Eric and Franco have a mutual respect for one another’s comedic talent. “Funny!” Eric says of Franco. “I met him at a race. It was incredible. Best feeling I ever had. Ever.”
Despite a minor case of nerves, Eric has high hopes for his upcoming comedic debut. “I’m planning on raising a lot of money,” he says.
“We’re very excited to have Eric perform his routine at our fundraiser ‘Circle of Laughter’,” says Sharon Heddle, executive director of DNEC. “It is important that the community we work with, people with disabilities, are represented as much as possible in all that we do. Franco told us about this young man and his natural comedic talen. We are looking forward to the fun he will bring to our event.”
Kathleen Stauffer is chief executive officer of The Arc Eastern Connecticut. For information on The Arc, go to www.thearcnlc.org and www.qvarc.org. For more articles by this author visit www.kathleenstauffer.com
