Laugh Your Arts Off Comedy Night Fundraiser

Saturday, March 29th, 2008

“Great job!!! We had a fabulous time at the fundraiser the other night. So many great moments. The whole thing was just perfect. You really brought people together in a very creative way. I can't imagine a better event.  I for one am aware of all the effort that goes into putting on a show like this. Show biz just ain't easy! But in the end people go away more enriched, connected and community minded.....and for my money you just can't ask for more. Most definitely a win, win win. thank you, thank you, thank you!!”

Jay Paget, Program Director, Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund

 

Laugh Your Arts OffThe Laugh Your Arts Off comedy night fundraiser to benefit the Hyde Park Arts Initiative was a tremendous success raising more than $12,000. More than 170 Hyde Park resident and visitors came out to enjoy the evening. Townsend Restaurant at 81 Fairmount Avenue opened for a soft opening and most of the attendees went there before or after the show. 

The evening began with the music of The Daniel Ian Smith Trio and Silent Auction. Welcoming remarks by Jan Kenney, Project Coordinator for Hyde Park Arts Initiative followed. Kenney said “its about creating opportunities to raise awareness, accessibility and involvement in Hyde Park’s visual and performing arts”. Boston City Councilor Rob Consalvo leaded a hand and drew the winning number for the Guest Emcee raffle.

With delight David Viera, President of the Friends of the Hyde Park Branch Library and HPAI Partner, was announced as the winner who had the honor of introducing the first comedian, Jessica Casciano. But before the introductions Tara Broke Watkins, Artistic Director for Riverside Theatre Works welcomed guest to Riverside and invited them to come again and enjoy the upcoming shows. Jessica Casciano, a West Roxbury resident, performs comedy all over Boston and New York. Jessica is considered to be the funniest female in Boston and the Laugh guests now know why. Next came Tony V.  Tony V has been one of Boston's most-loved comedians for more than twenty years. His many notable television appearances include HBO, Comedy Central, Late Night With Conan O'Brien, A&E, MTV and Rescue Me with Denis Leary, two seasons of Bobcat's Bigass Show on the F/X network and a recent run on Showtime’s Brotherhood. During Tony V’s show left them rolling in the aisles. 

But it didn’t end there. Tony V volunteered his time and hilarious talents as the auctioneer for the Live auction raising close to $4,000. It was a great night in Hyde Park’s Cleary/Logan Square business district and another example of why Hyde Park is an up and coming Art, Culture and Entertainment destination. Thank you to all the Laugh attendees and to the generous sponsors.

Stage Setter Sponsors
Bill & Ellen Silk
Broderick Gymnastics
Francis E. Kenney & Sons Funeral Home
George Wright Golf Course
Hyde Pride Fund
J & C Coach
Michael McCormack
Salon Capri
West Roxbury Motors

Opener Sponsors
Burke Insurance Agency
First American Title Insurance Company
Hyde Park Lions Club
Jan & Larry Kenney
Southwest Boston CDC

Character Sponsors
02136 Committee
Albert Winestein
Artist At Large, Inc.
Hyde Park Art Association
Hyde Park Main Streets
John A. Pulgini, Esq.
Joseph M. Tierney
Kenney Cleaners
Players Pub

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Special Thanks to:

Pat Tierney, Event Chair
Pat Whalen, Committee Member
Carol Faherty, Committee Member
Rosaleen Tallon, Committee Member
Debbie Leuth, Committee Member

Andrea DiBlasi
Ann Glora
Anna Faherty
Artist At Large, Inc.
Becky Holland
Bill Silk
Bob Vance
Carole Ward
Chris Kenney
Daniel Ian Smith
Faith Fiore
Janet Stanley
Jay Paget
John Tobin
Judy Ouellette
Kathy Amico
Kathy Ryan
Laura Davis
Lauren Nadler
Larry Kenney
Mary Bellew
Melanie Marzolf
Melissa Williams
Mike Feloney
Nadine Reed
Pat Alvarez
Pat Connolly
Paul Mastrangelo
Rosemarie Clinton
Scott Allen
Susan Connolly
Susan Martin
Tara Brooke Watkins
Vic Carrara
Vivian Smith-Barnes

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