Event Mark American Award Twain Ticket Humor Prize

Mark Twain (see English Café 34) was a famous American "novelist" (writer of stories that are book-length) and "humorist" (person who writes about things in a funny way). Each year since 1998, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has awarded "The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor" "in his honor" (to remember and admire someone's contributions or work). The award is presented to an individual who has made significant contributions to American culture through humor.

The Kennedy Center sells tickets to the awards reception, and the "proceeds" (money earned) from ticket sales is an important "fundraiser" (an event or activity that makes money, especially for a nonprofit organization) for the organization. In 2003, a single ticket to the event cost $1,000, and special event packages cost up to $50,000. Many comedians and other "celebrities" (people who are famous, especially for singing, acting, or playing sports) attend the event to celebrate the "award recipient" (the person who receives the award). The event is recorded and "broadcasted" (shown on TV) for people who can't "afford" (be able to pay) the "hefty" (significant; big) ticket price.

Award recipients receive a "bronze" (a reddish-colored metal) "bust" (a sculpture of a person showing the shoulders, neck, and head) of Mark Twain. But more importantly, they receive "recognition" (notice and admiration) from other people that the work is important and "appreciated" (liked and admired). Past award recipients have include Bill Cosby (see English Café 55), Steve Martin, Lily Tomlin, Tina Fey, Ellen DeGeneres, Will Ferrell, and Whoopi Goldberg. The 2013 award recipient was Carol Burnett, an actress and author who is best known for her "eponymous" (sharing the same name) TV show, The Carol Burnett Show.