MEYERS FAMILY
LEGACY OF LAUGHTER

Who We are

Bernie “Bobo” Meyers and Roie “Roro” Franklin Meyers knew how to live life to the fullest. Surrounded by family, friends and the constant hum of conversation and contagious laughter.

After building a successful family business, traveling the world and throwing a lot of legendary parties, they spent their final years in the quiet comfort of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home in Omaha. A warm place filled with close friends, caring people and not nearly enough laughter. Watch the video below for more information about who we are and what we do.

Our Mission

This series is dedicated to bringing the healing power of humor to seniors, a wonderfully significant group of people who have earned the right to a good, long laugh.

Our Inspiration

Bobo

Throughout his 88+ years, Bobo was a humorist, satirist and keen observer of the world around him. Those observations would often appear in short stories and letters that he wrote with uncanny insight, razor-sharp sarcasm and a devious smile, offset by his sparkling blue eyes. He was never afraid to make fun of himself or anyone who dared to take themselves too seriously.

THE BOOK OF BOBO

Many of Bobo’s musings can be found in the self-published The Book of Bobo, over 450 pages of wit and wisdom from a man who always wrote the truth. Or, at least, his hilarious version of it.

““If ya gotta ask, ya just don’t get it.””

— Bobo

Roro

She was the inventor of a phenomenon we called, “craghing.” Roro would laugh until she cried or cry until she laughed. We never really knew. But it was angelic music to everyone’s ears, especially Bobo’s. He had a schoolboy crush on her from beginning to end. It was truly a romance for the ages spanning 62+ years.

keep the laughter alive

There are many ways to become a part of the Legacy of Laughter community. Here are just a few things you can do to spread the joy of laughter to more seniors.

PARTICIPATE

Come to our shows. Attend our humor workshops and improv classes. To get involved, please contact Mike Meyers at yomeyers@gmail.com

SPONSOR

Your company or organization can help bring laughter to the elderly by co-sponsoring a FREE show or helping us facilitate a workshop. For details, please contact Bruce Meyers at bmeyers@nebraskawarehouse.com

DONATE

Every penny of every dollar you give will go to help bring FREE comedy shows, workshops and classes to more seniors in more communities. Your tax-deductible, charitable gift can be made to the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation and designated for the Legacy of Laughter Endowment Fund.

To make your donation, please contact Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Executive Director, Amy Bernstein Shivvers, ashivvers@jewishomaha.org, 333 South 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154, or call 402-334-6466.

You may also donate on-line through the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation at www.jfofoundation.org. THANK YOU!

The Legacy of Laughter
Comedy Sketch series

Illustrated by David Toyoshima

In our ongoing mission to bring joy and laughter to the elderly, Legacy of Laughter proudly presents David Toyoshima’s “Comedy Sketch” Series featuring some of history’s most beloved comedians from radio, stage and screen.

We invite you to guess who each comic is and the line or routine they were most famous for. It’s good exercise for your mind and will hopefully give you a healthy laugh or two.

As always, we thank Bernie (Bobo) and Rochelle (Roro) Meyers for leaving us a Legacy of Laughter to share in an all-too-serious world.

About the Artist

David Toyoshima grew up watching classic comedy TV—even when it was long past his bedtime. David and his parents—along with Buddy the beagle—were glued to shows like Ed Sullivan, Steve Allen and Johnny Carson. Along with hits of the 60s and reruns from the 50s.

Today, David is a professional illustrator, advertising art director, and graphic design professor at Cal State University, Long Beach. His illustration style is influenced by the great Jack Davis and Mort Drucker of TV Guide and Mad Magazine fame.

Toyoshima’s advice to his students and now to you is simple. “Whatever you do, try to have fun. And always try to create something that will make people smile.”

The Legacy of Laughter Series

Twice a year, the Meyers family invites seniors living in retirement homes, their friends, family and the entire community to a FREE comedy show. A story from The Book of Bobo is read before a talented comedian takes the stage. Then, the joyous laughter begins and lasts for well over an hour!

Our show on 10/27 starring Carl Guerra was a big hit. Thanks to Carl, the staff at the JCC and the Rose Blumkin Home, as well as the residents, friends & family. See you for the next LOL show in April-ish!

Past Shows

We’ve had a good, long run of generous and hysterical comedians. Click on any poster below to watch their video.

OUR FIRST HUMOR WORKSHOP WAS GOOD FOR A LOT OF LAUGHS!

IMPROVE WELLNESS WITH HUMOR WORKSHOP

Thanks to Dionna Griffin-Irons, of the legendary Second City Theater, who directed and facilitated a 90-minute interactive improv and storytelling class at the Levy Senior Center in Evanston, Illinois.

Lady D and her 13 funny new friends proved that you're never too old to PLAY and laugh. A great time was had by all. We can't wait to do it again!

Music by DanoSongs “Living the Dream”

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Vicki Meyers Perlmeter
Chief Executive Officer & Social Butterfly

Bruce Meyers
Chief Financial Officer & Mike Wrangler

Mike Meyers
Chief Marketing Officer, Emcee & Family Black Sheep

Margaret “Maggie” Conti
Director of Activities & Outreach Programs
The Jewish Federation of Omaha

MEYERS FAMILYLEGACY OF LAUGHTER