Updated: Comedian Kurt Braunohler to Jet Ski From Chicago to New Orleans For Charity

“I’m comedian Kurt Braunohler and I think I might have figured out the dumbest way to make the world a better place,” begins Braunohler’s IndieGoGo.com fundraiser page. “I’ll be jet-skiing from Chicago to New Orleans (seriously) in order to raise money to provide 500 goats and 1000 chickens for African families in need. I’ve got the jet ski, I’ve got my route – I just need YOU to donate money so we can help change people’s lives.”

In “Roustabout,” produced by Comedy Central’s “CC:Studios” and premiering on cc.com this July, Braunohler’s six-episode show “American Jet Ski,” covers his seven city ride from Chicago to New Orleans in an effort to raise money for Heifer International to send 500 goats and 1000 chickens to impoverished villages in Africa.

According to Comedy Central, “Roustabout” was created by and stars Braunohler, featuring the comedian “taking on the world in a huge sweeping feat of absurdity, namely, jet skiing down the Mississippi River for charity. Over the course of seven days Braunohler will come ashore at several cities for stand-up sets and other hijinks with friends and guest stars Wyatt Cenac, Jon Daly, Kyle Kinane and Kristen Schaal.

“The epic journey begins in Chicago with a stand-up show featuring Braunohler and guest Cenac on May 29 followed by a launch event from Navy Pier on May 30. Confirmed stops include St. Louis, MO (May 31), Kaskaskia, IL (June 1), and New Orleans (June 6). “Roustabout” is directed by Jeff Tomsic and written by Braunohler and Scotty Landes.”

In partnership with Heifer, Braunohler hopes to raise $50,000 to send goats and chickens to Africa, and all money above $50,000 will go to a charity to help clean up the Mississippi River.

Heifer International empowers families to turn hunger and poverty into hope and prosperity, but their approach is more than just giving them a handout. Heifer links communities and helps bring sustainable agriculture and commerce to areas with a long history of poverty. Their animals provide partners with both food and reliable income, as agricultural products such as milk, eggs and honey can be traded or sold at market.

Update: Comedy Central has invited The Watercraft Journal to personally attend the filming of Kurt’s episode on the Tennessee River – and would like to extend the invitation to all of you PWC enthusiasts! Starting bright and early on Wednesday morning at the Grand Harbors Marina, in Counce, TN on June 4th by 7:15am so they can do waivers and start filming by 8am. Be prepared to ride, so bring your ski and safety gear, and you can be on national television!