Illusionist to headline fundraiser to end shame of substance abuse, mental health disorders

Las Vegas star and former “America’s Got Talent” semifinalist Murray SawChuck, a master at blending humor with illusion, is bringing some much-needed comic relief and awe to Stand Up Against Stigma, a fundraiser set for Nov. 22 in Harmony.

The show, presented by the Stop the Judgment Project, will be from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Steamfitters Event Center, 232 Wise Road. Tickets can be purchased online at stopthejudgment.org.

Proceeds will benefit programs of the Stop the Judgment Project, a nonprofit that raises awareness on judgment and shame associated with substance use disorders and mental health disorders in adolescents and young adults, according to Sherri Jo Matt, who founded the organization with her husband, Tom Bott.

“We’re really proud of what we’re doing,” said Matt, who lives in Franklin Park. “It’s about the mental health needs of kids and others.”

Matt and Bott lost their daughter, Siena, in 2020 to fentanyl poisoning in their home when Siena was 21. Siena also suffered from mental health issues as a young teenager, which led to addiction. She didn’t seek intensive inpatient drug rehabilitation due to fear of being judged by family and friends, according to Matt.

The nonprofit hosts educational workshops on substance abuse and mental health in schools across Western Pennsylvania.

“These kids need this information. I hate the reason we are doing this, but I am honored that (schools) trust us,” Matt said. “We never want another family to feel this way.”

The Stop the Judgment Project visited seven Pittsburgh-area schools in 2024, partnering with AHN’s Chill Project, the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and Dr. C. Thomas Brophy, a specialist in addiction and neuroscience and director of the Ellen O’Brien Geiser Center in Butler.

The Miracles 360 Foundation is the lead sponsor for the comedy fundraiser.

The Stop the Judgment Project encourages an open dialogue on drug addiction and use. It is dedicated to changing the way people think about addiction and the stigma.

“We want to go to more schools and see more kids. We’ll visit anyone who is willing to talk with us,” Matt said.

The workshops provide candid and interactive discussions on substance use disorders and mental health disorders to help students, school faculty and parents support students struggling with with those disorders without shame or silence, according to the event description.

In 2010, SawChuck was a semifinalist on Season 5 of the NBC reality show “America’s Got Talent.” He also appeared on CW’s “Masters of Illusion” and several other television shows over the years.

He will be at the L.A. Comedy Club in Las Vegas from January through April, according to murraymagic.com.

“Nobody is perfect. We all have challenges and things to work through. However, the sooner we begin to help ourselves and support one another, the better life becomes for everyone,” said SawChuck, who once made an entire steam locomotive disappear before a live studio audience on “America’s Got Talent.”

“Choosing to grow and change for the better is always a win. And being open about your new vision and healthy lifestyle should be seen as a strength, not something to judge. It’s the personal magic that you have within you,” he said.