Everyone likes to laugh, but not all jokes are funny.
However, one Green River student's joke was so funny it will be published in a joke book.
Evan Maser, 9, of Washington Elementary School was one of hundreds of kids across the country who submitted a joke for the UnitedHealthCare Children's Foundation's joke books.
Not only does Evan's joke get to be in a joke book, but he is helping children. The money raised from the book sales goes to the foundation, which uses the money to provide grants.
According to a press release from the UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation, "the foundation is a a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides medical grants to help children gain access to health-related services not covered, or not fully covered, by their parents' commercial health insurance plan. Families can receive up to $5,000 annually per child ($10,000 lifetime maximum per child), and do not need to have insurance through UnitedHealthcare to be eligible."
The first book "Little Book-Big Laughs" was released in 2014 and was such a success that the foundation decided to continue the joke-book program. In 2015, they released two more joke books. This program encourages children to write jokes, which will be read by other children.
"We're all familiar with the wise adage that laughter is the best medicine, and so is the comfort in knowing that your child's medical condition is being treated and paid for," UHCCF President Matt Peterson said in the press release. "These kid-inspired joke books will bring many laughs and will help many families struggling with medical costs."
In fact, the program was so successful the foundation decided to release three books instead of one this year. Those books are "Cool Jokes for Summer," "Sweets, Treats and Eats" and "Holidays, Celebrations and Birthday Jokes." These books' release date is scheduled to coincide with National Literacy Month, which is in September.
Evan's joke will be in the "Cool Jokes for Summer" book.
"I work for UnitedHealthCare and Evan came up with the joke," Marcie Maser, Evan's mom said. "He's just a really funny kid. He always tells jokes."
Evan came up with his joke after he read one of the foundation's book, Marcie said.
The following is Evan's joke.
"What is a ghost's favorite ride at the carnival?"
"The scary-go-round!"
When Marcie told Evan his joke was going to be in a joke book, he didn't know what to think.
"He didn't believe me at first." Marcie said. "He's really excited,"
Marcie said she then explained to him that she submitted the joke to the foundation which picks the jokes and has them published in books.
"I told him it will be like the book he reads at the bus stop," Marcie said.
Whenever, her son is in the car and it involves a lot of waiting or downtime, she usually finds him reading a book in the car. Marcie said since her son likes to read books, she keeps one or two handy in the car.
Marcie said this program encourages children to be creative and come up with new jokes and it also encourages them to read.
"I think he sees that he's being recognized," Marcie said. "I think this will really peak his interest."
"I should be a joke teller," Evan told Marcie.
About the books
The books, which feature hundreds of side-splitters, one-liners, comical yarns and classic "knock-knock" inquiries, are geared for children ages four to 12, but can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The books are available on Amazon for $5.99 each.
Each book includes more than 300 jokes.
About the foundation
UHCCF was founded in 1999. Since 2007, UHCCF has awarded more than 14,000 grants valued at more than $37 million to children and their families across the United States. UHCCF's funding is provided by contributions from individuals, corporations and UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) employees.
Proceeds from all UHCCF books fund UHCCF child medical grants for families across the United States. To be eligible for a grant, children must be 16 years of age or younger.
Also, families must meet economic guidelines, reside in the United States and have a commercial health insurance plan.
But families do not need to have insurance through UnitedHealthcare to be eligible. To apply for a grant, donate or learn more, please visit UHCCF.org.
Reader Comments(0)