Culpeper native gives back

Rhonda Simmons
Published: February 14, 2008

Culpeper native Alex Scott grew up playing youth basketball, baseball and football.

The 35-year-old comedian often visits his hometown to watch his nephews play those same games.

Now, the successful entertainer wants to give back to the community that helped build his self-confidence.

"Basketball changed my life," said Scott, who recently filmed the movie "Misunderstandings" and a segment on HBO's Def Comedy Jam. "It taught me about teamwork and it gave me a reason to go to college."

Scott will host the Culpeper Youth Basketball Fundraiser Comedy Show Feb. 22 at Club XS, 16284 Brandy Road in Culpeper, featuring comedian Huggy Low Down and Big Doug.

"Where else would I bring a pimp to," Scott joked, about Huggy's signature skits where he makes fun of pop culture by labeling celebrities as the "bamma of the week," a term used in D.C. to describe a person with no style, class or taste.

Scott, who has gained national success in the entertainment industry, often says he's disappointed when he returns home to find that his community hesitates to show him some support.

Last summer, Scott brought two comedians to perform at Brandon's Place to a handful of people.

"We just don't support our own businesses," he said, urging local residents to come out and help him raise funds for youth sports. "We have to do it for the kids, man."

Each ticket will cost $25, Scott said, and $5 from each sale will go toward the Culpeper Youth Basketball League fund.

"It's for parents who can't afford to pay $300 for fees or uniforms, this will help those families," said Scott, mirroring what his friend Huggy does in his D.C. and Maryland communities. "It's so many great things going on that people can get through what we're doing. It's going to be a nice event."

Culpeper Youth Basketball Program President Greg Ward said the fundraiser makes good sense for everyone involved.
 "I think it's a great cause and it's always good to give back to your community," he said.

Scott's manager Gregory Anthony said youth sports helped to build a positive foundation for Scott to follow his dream to become a professional comedian.

"This fundraiser is a platform for Alex to give back to his community annually, because kids are our future and laughter is a way to make everyone feel good about themselves," Anthony added.

Rhonda Simmons can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 125 or .

Want to go-
What: Alex Scott Culpeper Youth Basketball Fundraiser Comedy Show featuring Comic Huggy Lowdown, from  the Tom Joyner Morning Show and Northern Virginia's Big Doug
Where: Club XS, 16284 Brandy Road, Culpeper
When: Feb. 22; first show 7:30 p.m. and second show 10:30 p.m.
Cost: $25 per ticket; and for every ticket sold $5 goes toward the Culpeper Youth Basketball fund
For ticket information contact Culpeper Youth Basketball Program President Greg Ward at 547-9188 or 222-1047 or Club XS owner George Puller at 825-3984 or 729-4859.