The Sandy Gunar Industry Award honors the legacy of Sandy Gunar — a beloved talent manager, comedy advocate, and cherished member of the Jersey City Comedy Festival family. As the owner of Avanti Talent Management, Sandy represented and cast actors and comedians for commercials, voiceovers, industrials, and television. A passionate supporter of emerging talent, he served as a showcase judge during the 2020 virtual edition of the festival, held on Zoom.

Sandy was also the life partner of JCCF co-producer Rich Kiamco. During the early days of the pandemic, he brought laughter to audiences as a surprise Zoom show “audience member,” famously watching from his bathtub. As live events cautiously returned, Sandy helped launch the first outdoor performances of The Laugh Tour Comedy Club, just before its transition to a permanent indoor venue.

Tragically, Sandy passed away from COVID-19 during the height of the pandemic, before The Laugh Tour was able to launch as a full-time club.

This award is named in his memory to honor his enduring love of comedy, his wit and goofy sense of humor, and his unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of comedic talent.