Gilda’s Club LaughFest added yet another act for the upcoming event in March. Tickets for Actor and LaughFest veteran, Ron Funches went on sale today. He joins a stellar line up of comedians already on tap for the event. Gilda’s Club helps provides free emotional health support for those on a cancer or grief journey. LaughFest’s President reminds the community of their purpose and genuine need for laughter.
“We still stand solid in being the nation’s first community wide festival of laughter. Thanks to the support of the Grand Rapids Community and West Michigan as well as folks across the country.”
Gilda’s Club and LaughFest President, Wendy Wigger says it hard to believe the event is in its 8th year. And as they continue to add to and finalize details of their comedic line up… Wendy stresses their message and their goals remain the same.
“And we wanted to elevate people’s awareness and really, understanding of importance of emotional health when we’re facing tough chapters in life. And what LaughFest has done for Gilda’s Club has been to get people to laugh and get them to listen to that broader message.. What I often will say it’s the serious behind the funny of the festival.”
And again, at the core of this, is making people laugh to get through the tough times, laughter can be the key to the soul here,
“I love what you just said, laughter is the key to the soul. I hope you don’t mind if I use that. Gilda Radner says on her cancer journey that cancer is so unfunny, that it needed someone like me to give people the permission to laugh.”
And so through Gilda’s LaughFest, permission is granted. During the ten day festival, starting March 8th, thre will be more than 200 free and ticketed shows featuring over 100 artists. Some headliners include Trevor Noah, Tiffiany Haddish and John Mulaney among many others.
You can find out more by visiting laughfestgr.org.
