In a community where horseback riding is one of the most popular summer youth activities, Parker Adventist Hospital reports 1 in 5 children seen in their emergency room are treated for acute head or spinal injuries. In the United States, 12 to 15 million people ride a horse or pony. The American Medical Equestrian Association reports a fall from as little as two feet can cause permanent brain damage. "Many of these injuries can be minimized or prevented if all horseback riders wore certified equestrian helmets," says Aaron Fritz, Executive Director of Parker Hospital Foundation. He added, "Unfortunately, we also see many, many kids hurt from bicycle accidents who do not wear bike helmets."

A serious situation sometimes calls for a funny solution. On Sunday, June 10 th, from 7:00-9:00pm, Parker Adventist Hospital is hosting their first ever "Heads Up! Parker" Live Comedy Benefit Fundraiser to provide Parker youth with essential safety helmets.

Special guest entertainer is "Dr. Marty", a motivational and inspirational stand-up comedian who has performed nationally and internationally. With 17 foster kids and 4 great kids of his own, Dr. Marty has a passion for making audiences laugh and for making a difference in a child's life. He has just completed filming a television special, scheduled to air this fall, and has performed to literally thousands of comedy club audiences during 25 years of amplifying pleasure and joy known simply as his "Ultimate Therapy".

The $75 per person donation covers the purchase of two helmets, and includes Trapper's Chop House signature appetizers, a complimentary house drink, and will feature a silent auction of a signed Terrell Davis football and other collectible merchandise. The event will be held at Trapper's Chop House restaurant, across from the Parker Adventist Hospital in Crown Point. The restaurant is on the 4 th floor of the Select Holiday Inn Hotel at 19308 E. Cottonwood Drive, just southeast of E470 and Parker Road. Trapper's will transform the entire restaurant to a 'one-night comedy club' for the June 10 th charity benefit which is open to the general public by advance reservation.

For "Heads Up! Parker" Comedy Night/Benefit tickets, contact Kristin at 303-798-0601. Seating is limited. For those who cannot attend the event, but wish to support the purchase of these helmets for Parker youth, a tax deductible contribution may be made, in any amount, to: Heads Up! Parker, 9137 E. Mineral Circle, Suite 250, Centennial, CO 80112