Compassion Through Comedy
Anyone who donates $100 or more will receive a pair of tickets to the Festival.
Hello,
My name is Jamie Stephens and I'm the President of Jamie Stephens Events (I know, I know... how original!) One of the events that I produce is the Brantford Comedy Festival that launched in 2010.
Every year, the Brantford Comedy Festival is a sellout. We have brought comedians from all over North America to the Festival, including Colin Mochrie, Nikki Payne, Jon Dore, Debra DiGivanni, Tom Green, Steve Patterson and many, many more...
Over the last 5 years, we have enjoyed a partnership with the Brant Community Healthcare System Foundation. Through our partnership, the hospital is able to raise some money and educate a large crowd about the workings of the Foundation and the important role that donations and fundraising play in the operation of the hospital.
Last year, I launched my "Compassion Through Comedy" Initiative. Since then, I have personally donated over 300 tickets to various shows in 2016 and the shows I have done thus far in 2017 to the Hospital Foundation. These tickets were given to patients and their families who are dealing with health issues. As everyone knows, laughter truly is the best medicine!
After last years Brantford Comedy Festival, I received a letter from one of the families who came to the show through our Compassion Through Comedy program and it absolutely floored me. It turns out our show was the last evening this particular family was able to spend with their Mom. They went on to express how much that show meant to them and how their Mom loved the show. Over the years, I have quietly given tickets to those who need a laugh and the experience has been very rewarding.
So, why the GoFundMe? Well, I know others want to share in the joy that donating tickets gives! The reality is, the Brantford Comedy Festival costs money to put on -- if it didn't, I'd give all the tickets away. Personally, the Brantford Comedy Festival is donating 100 tickets out of our pockets this year to the Compassion Through Comedy Program and we have made another 200 tickets available for purchase (at a discounted price) for others who want to donate tickets to those who could use a night full of laughter.
We have set this campaign to $4,000. This is the cost of 200 tickets @ $15/each, GoFundMe Fees and Ticket Service Fees. (Regular priced tickets are $20)
I have chosen GoFundMe as my platform of choice, as it allows an easy way to track everyone who donates to the program and allows me to track names and allows you to share it on Social Media, which should help us reach our goal much faster.
If we happen to go over $4,000 -- We will purchase even more tickets and fill more seats with those who need the
laughter and their families!
EVERYONE who donates will have their names printed on the thank you note that will be included in the ticket donation. Anyone who donates $15 or more will appear in Bold.
Anyone who donates $100 or more will receive a pair of tickets to the Festival.
FAQ's
"Why are you doing this if the Festival sells out?"
Great question! Over the years, Brantford Comedy Festival has continually filled the seats and has attracted many generous sponsors. We don't need to rely on ticket sales as much as we used to in the early days. The festival itself has taken on a bigger purpose in my life and my goal is to give away more and more tickets each year out of my own pocket.
The Festival has costs and each seat carries a price that is needed to recoup those costs. We're giving away 100 tickets out of our pockets to the program and have made an additional 200 available at a discounted price of $15. This allows us to ensure our costs are covered while giving 300 people in our community an experience they need and will never forget.
"What if you raise over $4,000?"
If we have tickets available, we'll fill more seats with those who are in need. If for any reason this GoFundMe takes off and raises more money than there are tickets -- we will forward the balance to the next event and keep donating tickets through the program.
PLEASE NOTE: By supporting this campaign, it doesn't include a ticket for yourself. (Unless you donate $100 or more). The money you donate will be used to cover the costs of donating 200 tickets to those who could use a laugh. If you're looking to purchase tickets to attend the festival, please visit our web site at www.brantfordcomedy.com
Thank you for supporting COMPASSION THROUGH COMEDY! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me through this page.
Jamie Stephens
Brantford Comedy Festival
Brantford Comedy Festival
Gala Night
Saturday, September 23rd
Sanderson Centre Brantford
http://www.brantfordcomedy.com for more info and to purchase tickets for yourself to attend :)
