As fast a this summer seems to be going, March, 2015 will be tomorrow!  But, seriously folks, March, 5 - 15, 2015 will be the 10 funniest days of March, as the nation’s first-ever, community-wide festival of laughter, Gilda’s LaughFest, announced this morning that those are the dates for their fifth anniversary and laughter. 

Gilda's also announced today are preliminary results of an economic impact study from Grand Valley State University. The study indicates LaughFest created a $3.2 million economic impact on the region.

Last year more than 50,000 tickets were sold for LaughFest. And, people from across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom arrived in Grand Rapids for 10-days of laughter from stand-up comedy and improv to film, music, and a variety of seriously funny stuff.

The economic impact study also showed $1.7 million in new spending occurred, with spending by individuals from outside Grand Rapids increasing 50% this year compared to last year. That is a huge for Grand Rapids, and promises to only keep growing.

Courtesy Gilda's Club
Courtesy Gilda's Club
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Let's not lose sight of the reason for LaughFest. It helps support 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. The comprehensive program, delivered by licensed healthcare professionals includes education, structured sharing times, networking, lectures, workshops and social activities. Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids is one of the largest and busiest of the 52 affiliates in North America. The organization runs entirely on charitable donations and currently serves more than 10,000 individuals each year at its clubhouses in Grand Rapids and Lowell, Mich., in various schools and in five community centers. For more information, visit www.gildasclubgr.org

So, whose coming for the 5th season?  Not so fast, it's too early to tell.  Contracts have to be signed, etc., so we'll know soon enough.

Stay tuned!

 

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