A comedy fundraiser for the AuSable River Canoe Marathon (ARCM) took place at the AuSable Inn Riverview Restaurant and Sports Bar, drawing a sold-out crowd. The event featured Valerie Heffelbower as emcee and included performances by Melissa Hager and Russ Brown, delighting attendees with humor and storytelling. Local resident Mike Stephenson also contributed to the evening's entertainment. Proceeds were boosted by raffles, including a 50/50 draw, with all tickets sold out. The success of this event has inspired plans for future comedy nights.

An Evening of Laughter Along the AuSable River

In a picturesque setting along the AuSable River, on Saturday, April 12, laughter echoed through the halls of the AuSable Inn Riverview Restaurant and Sports Bar. This was no ordinary night; it marked a significant fundraising effort organized by the ARCM committee. As dusk settled into night, guests gathered eagerly anticipating an evening filled with humor and camaraderie.

The event commenced promptly at 7:50 p.m., led by the charismatic Valerie Heffelbower from South Branch, northeast Michigan. Her role as emcee set the tone perfectly, introducing acts that would captivate the audience throughout the evening. First up was Melissa Hager, hailing from Millington near Frankenmuth, whose wit and charm left no one untouched. Engaging directly with the audience, she shared personal anecdotes such as her experiences growing up on a farm and winning accolades like the golden hoe award in 1994. Her reflections on modern-day Halloween traditions compared to those of the 80s amused everyone present.

Russ Brown followed as the headliner, bringing extensive experience having performed over fifty times in Iraq for military audiences. His comedic repertoire ranged from dating tips to recounting dramatic incidents during live shows, leaving the crowd roaring with laughter until his performance concluded at 8:50 p.m.

To wrap up the memorable evening, local enthusiast Mike Stephenson offered a brief yet impactful five-minute set, adding a personal touch to the occasion. Notably, Kathy Erickson, co-chair of ARCM expressed astonishment at the overwhelming turnout, while past participant Ron Matthews lent support to the cause.

From a journalistic perspective, events like these underscore the power of community spirit and creativity in raising funds for important causes. They remind us how laughter serves not only as medicine but also as a bridge connecting diverse individuals towards common goals. Such initiatives reflect positively on communities willing to embrace innovative methods to achieve their objectives, proving once again that sometimes, the best way forward is simply laughing together.