GILDA’S CLUB GRAND RAPIDS TO BRING THE FUNNY BACK MARCH 6-10, 2024
Gilda’s Red Door Gala to be held March 14 at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Nov. 29, 2023 – For the 14th year, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids will bring the funny back to the West Michigan region with two iconic events in March 2024. Gilda’s LaughFest, the nation’s first-ever community-wide festival of laughter will take place March 6-10, and Gilda’s Red Door Gala will return to Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park on March 14.
“Gilda’s Club is looking forward to bringing 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 program.” said Gilda’s President Wendy Wigger.
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 proud to carry on the tradition of partnering with Gilda’s Club to bring this festival to West Michigan,” said Carter Pavey, vice-president of marketing at Gun Lake Casino. “Our team takes pride in sponsoring the overall event and also hosting two shows inside the 131 Sportsbar and Lounge. The shows at Gun Lake Casino are always a hit.”
Following the LaughFest festival, on March 14, Gilda’s Club will host its Red Door Gala at Frederik Meijer Gardens & 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, Golden Age at Creston Brewery, Wealthy Theatre, Gun Lake Casino, and First Congregational UCC of Lowell. Talent and event schedules will begin to be announced in January 2024 .
As part of the festival, Gilda’s Club will host the Laughter Rx Symposium on Friday, March 8. The Laughter Rx Symposium is a Gilda’s Club mission element aimed at increasing the emotional health support system in West Michigan through education. The conference has continuing education credit opportunities for health care professionals and social workers and will be available in a hybrid format with in-person and virtual attendance options. More details about the festival and the Red Door Gala, plus information regarding volunteer recruitment will be available in January at laughfestgr.org.
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. 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 has to navigate cancer or grief on their own. For more information, visit gildasclubgr.org.
