Community Living North Grenville, which provides support to local people with developmental disabilities, is holding its 11th annual Comedy Night and Auction on Saturday, April 20 at the North Grenville Municipal Centre. The highly anticipated annual event is being promoted this year as “an evening of magic and illusion”.
Sandra Summers, the Executive Director of Community Living North Grenville, explained that in the past, the Comedy Night fundraisers have featured hypnotists, ventriloquists, and professional comedians. This year will see a return to traditional, professional comedy acts, as well as a performance by Illusionist Chris Pilsworth.
As always, there will be a live auction, as well as a silent auction. The live auction will be hosted by Hunter McCaig, who is a comedian himself. He has been doing the job since the Comedy Nights first began.
“This is our annual fundraiser,” explained Sandra. Community Living puts on other community events throughout the year, but the annual Comedy Night is relied upon as the fundraiser that provides dollars which buy supports for those in the community. While the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services provides the funding for the organization’s operating expenses, the fundraising provides funding directly to people who need it. All funds raised through the Comedy Night fundraiser go right back into the community to pay for things such as transportation and housing.
“It’s for whatever they need to live their life,” Sandra added. The silent auction promises great items donated by local businesses available for bid.
This is a busy time of year for Community Living, since May is Community Living Month. Every year, there is a Community Living Pancake Breakfast on the first Wednesday in May – this year, it happens to fall right on May 1.
Sandra stresses that all Community Living events are put on by volunteers, and with Volunteer Week fast approaching, it is important to recognize their contributions.
Tickets for this year’s Comedy Night are $50 per person or $350 for a table of 8. To purchase tickets, contact Tanya Baird at 613-258-7177. Doors open at 6:30pm on April 20 at the North Grenville Municipal Centre. The live auction will take place at 7:30 pm, with the main show from 8:30pm-10:00pm. Appetizers will be available, and there will be a cash bar. As usual, there will also be raffles, and door prizes to be won.
Community Living offers opportunities for personal growth, community inclusion and empowerment to people with developmental disabilities, and their families. It is recommended that you buy your tickets early as the Comedy Night is always a sold-out event. See you there!
