News We Love: 'Great Dad Joke Off' offers support
Community members in Nebraska came together support one of their own at the second annual "Great Dad Joke Off. Jessica McAfee was this year's recipient of the Great Dad Joke Off.
"The recipe said set the oven to 180 degrees, but now I can't open it because the door faces the wall," was just one of the many jokes told Tuesday.
It's a night filled with laughs, dad joke bingo, and, of course, more cringey dad jokes
The event is put on by Center Sphere, whose mission is to build a network of local support for businesses. McAfee started her massage business back in 2023. However, just four months later, the single mother of three was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer.
"It put kind of a stop to my business," McAfee said.
Now in remission, McAfee is working to get her business back on track.100 percent of Tuesday's proceeds go to the small business owner.
"I kind of spent my life always giving and doing for other people, especially my family, and to be able to have that reciprocated back to me when I needed it the most is truly a blessing," McAfee said.
Amy Watson was last year's recipient. She lost her husband and business partner to brain cancer.
"The monetary amount didn't matter; they were very generous, but at the same time, just the support that I felt was just overwhelming and amazing," Watson said.
"Before we get started, I wanted to share a fear that I have with you, and it's speed bumps, but don't worry, I'm slowly getting over it," McAfee joked to open her speech.
McAfee said she appreciates the support from others.
"There are good people and people who don't just want back what they give, they are just truly giving because they care," McAfee said.
It's laughs and dad jokes that will continue to support those who need it most for years to come.
"We look forward to helping other members with a tough time, maybe make it a little easier," Watson said.
You can donate to help McAfee at her Venmo @Jessica-McAfee-8.
