GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Gilda's Club Grand Rapids has announced the annual community-wide festival of laughter will take place March 5 through March 9.
It raises funds to help Gilda's Club provide free cancer support and grief programs. The Red Door Gala dinner and fundraising event is scheduled for March 19 at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Gilda's Club also will host the Laughter RX Symposium on March 7, which boosts the emotional health support system in West Michigan.
Here are more details from a Gilda's Club Grand Rapids news release:
“When we started LaughFest in 2010, we had no idea the magnitude this festival would have in our community,” said Wendy Wigger, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids president and CEO. “It’s really heartening to look back at our very first festival and see how many people we’ve been able to help through our free cancer and grief support program because of the success of LaughFest these past 15 years. We can’t wait to bring back LaughFest and the Red Door Gala to the West Michigan community. These two events increase awareness and help generate much needed funds for our free support programs.”
Gilda's Club Grand Rapids, which provides free emotional healthcare to children, adults, families and friends on any kind of cancer journey or those grieving the death of someone in their life due to any cause, is hosting Gilda’s LaughFest events in Grand Rapids, Wayland, and Lowell. LaughFest, presented by Gun Lake Casino, includes free and ticketed events from stand-up and improv to community showcases, and a variety of other seriously funny stuff.
"Gun Lake Casino is honored to continue our longstanding partnership with Gilda's Club to bring this cherished festival to West Michigan," said Carter Pavey, vice president of marketing at Gun Lake Casino. "Our team takes great pride in sponsoring the entire event and hosting two exclusive shows inside the 131 Sportsbar & Lounge. Performances at Gun Lake Casino are always a highlight, and we're excited to deliver unforgettable experiences once again."
Following the 15th annual LaughFest festival, on Wednesday, March 19, Gilda’s Club will host its Red Door Gala at Fedrick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. The Red Door Gala celebrates the thousands of lives impacted by Gilda’s Club and will provide entertainment that is sure to make individuals laugh.
In addition to offering something for everyone in Lowell and at Gun Lake Casino in Wayland, the Clean Comedy Showcase, a LaughFest fan favorite, will return to The B.O.B. and Dr. Grins Comedy Club, which will include both show only and dinner and show options. This year’s festival will feature nationally-known comedians, as well as seriously fun and funny events for all ages. In addition to The B.O.B., locations for events will include Fountain Street Church, Midtown at Studio Park, Gun Lake Casino, and UCC Lowell. Talent and event schedules will begin to be announced in January 2025.
As part of the festival, Gilda’s Club will host the Laughter Rx Symposium on Friday, March 7. The Laughter Rx Symposium is aimed at increasing the emotional health support system in West Michigan through education and awareness, engaging a variety of health professionals and the general public. The conference has continuing education credit opportunities for health care professionals and social workers.
More details about the festival and the Red Door Gala, plus information regarding volunteer recruitment will be available in January at laughfestgr.org.
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About Gilda’s Club
Gilda's Club Grand Rapids provides free emotional healthcare to children, adults, families and friends on any kind of cancer journey or those grieving the death of someone in their life due to any cause. At Gilda’s we help ensure no one has to navigate cancer or grief on their own. Its comprehensive program, delivered by mental health professionals, meets individuals where they are, when they need it, with a variety of social and emotional support options to choose from, including support groups, educational opportunities as well as healthy lifestyle and social activities.
Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids runs entirely on charitable donations and currently provides in-person, virtual and hybrid support options through its clubhouses in Grand Rapids and Lowell, Mich., and community programs in various schools and community centers. An affiliate of the Cancer Support Community - the largest professionally led nonprofit network of cancer support worldwide, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids is independently owned and locally operated. At Gilda’s Club no one faces cancer or grief alone. For more information, visit gildasclubgr.org.