LaughFest 2015 Releases Attendance Numbers

Gilda’s LaughFest reports that this year's festival brought more than 45,000 people to West Michigan from across the United States.

LaughFest 2015 hosted more than 270 ticketed and free events at 49 venues in Grand Rapids, Lowell and Holland. The festival, which ran March 5 - 15, featured over 750 artists and attracted visitors from 644 U.S. zip codes, 34 states, Canada and the United Kingdom.

While LaughFest officials are still determining the overall economic impact on the community for the fifth year of the event, they have announced the funds raised through the “High Five” community match campaign.

During LaughFest, and through the month of March, the campaign raised $40,610. For each five dollars donated to the campaign by individual donors, Amway Corporation matched each donation, up to $25,000.

“Amway is honored to be able to donate the full amount offered during the ‘High Five’ community match campaign,” said Todd Woodward, vice president of communications at Amway.

Proceeds and donations from LaughFest support free emotional healthcare programs for children and adults living with cancer, grief and loss through Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. Proceeds from the event account for 10 -15 percent of the Club’s annual operating budget.

“We are so grateful for the support that our community provides by coming out and enjoying the festival and learning about the important role laughter plays in emotional health,” said Wendy Wigger, president, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. “Our community, our partners and our sponsors have been vital in helping us raise awareness of our mission and contribute donations necessary for continuing the work done by Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. This would not be possible without that type of support and I want to say thank you on behalf of the entire Gilda’s Club organization.”