INNISFAIL -- While the recession has cast a dark shadow on the community it has not blunted citizen generosity for matters of the heart - especially when they can have a plenty of hearty chuckles.
And laugh they did on March 28 for Innisfail's fifth annual Boob Tour comedy show, an event that raises money for breast cancer research and awareness.
"It is always a fun night out. No one has ever gone away unhappy here," said Trish Proctor, event organizer who started the fundraiser with her father Ron King.
She said not as many tickets were sold as in previous years, adding it was "probably" due to the economy. But Proctor said before the show she was confident there would be a significant increase of funds this year from proceeds collected from auction items. And when the evening was over Innisfailians proved once again they would always step up to the plate when there is a need.
The evening of comedy at the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion raised $6,700, $700 more than last year and $1,700 more than what was expected. Proctor said half the funds raised on March 28 were going to the new Central Alberta Cancer Centre in Red Deer while the other half is going to this year's 9th Annual Ride to Conquer Cancer that will benefit the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
"Everybody who lives in town probably has been touched by cancer in one way or another, and I think it is just fantastic that the community comes together and raises money," said local businessman and town councillor Mark Kemball. "Danny Rieberger is a big part of what happens here. His family has been instrumental in the push behind it. Whenever there is a community event like this our citizens step up."
Rieberger, whose sister, both parents, and two brothers have faced and battled cancer, praised Proctor, his niece, for her hard work when she worked for the Canadian Cancer Society to get the show off the ground in Innisfail.
"We try to put on a good show and people get good value for their money I believe," said Rieberger.
And guests at the annual Innisfail show were not at all disappointed by the comedy, headlined by acclaimed New York comedian Max Dolcelli, and supported by Calgary's Brittany Lyseng and Matt Foster.
"Getting paid to tell jokes is fun but getting to do it and raising money for something like the Alberta cancer association is an extra great feeling," said Foster. "The way this is going to be successful is that everyone is laughing.
Dolcelli, who is well known in the comedy club and festival circuit throughout the United States, said an old friend asked him if he would be interested in coming to Innisfail to do a Boob Tour date, and he did not hesitate to say yes.
"It is a great cause, it's an honour and pleasure," he said, adding he was doing two other benefits later in the week. "I made my money working on cruise ships and doing corporate stuff but I like to do stuff like this so I can give back."
Mark Kemball, local businessman and town councillor
"Everybody who lives in town probably has been touched by cancer in one way or another, and I think it is just fantastic that the community comes together and raises money."
