By Kate Bartlett
Saturday, September 20, marks the first annual Good for the Soul Comedy Show at HoliMont. This event is presented by Connecting Communities in Action and The Trauma Informed Coalition Cattaraugus County in order to raise awareness and funds for Mental Health and suicide prevention.
Laura Widger, committee member for the Trauma Informed Coalition, reports the agencies were inspired to work together to raise awareness of this cause in light of a recent event at Ellicottville Central School. “We lost a 15-year-old to suicide this past year,” remarks Laura. “It sparked the community to take action in raising awareness in suicide prevention, erase stigma surrounding suicide and its causes, encourage those who are suffering from mental illness to seek out treatment, and to show support for the families and friends of 49,000 Americans who die by suicide each year.”
As owner of Inner Peace and Strength, private practice focusing on emotional wellness, Laura is familiar with the importance of caring for one’s mind, body, soul, and spirit. Amanda Gorman once said “For there is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.”
The event takes place on Saturday, September 20th at HoliMont with VIP access starting at 6pm, general admission at 7pm, show starts at 8pm. VIP access allows meet and greet opportunities with performers, as well as a dessert bar. Cash bar will be available for all.
A Mental Health Marketplace will take place throughout the event with tables by local shops and practitioners in the community, including The Purple Doorknob, Ava Grace, the Center for Drugs and Alcohol, local artists, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, among many more.
Comedian Aidan Park, Founder and CEO of The YAY! Foundation, an internationally touring comedian, bestselling author, and leading advocate for mental and emotional wellness through humor and storytelling will host the event. Aidan has developed nationally recognized programs that help communities transform vulnerability to empowerment; his work has been featured on NBC, Hulu, Amazon Prime and Comedy Central. He aims to bring laughter, connection and growth to people across the country.
Local community members Brad Poole, owner of Warrior Fitness and Wellness, Dr. Kate, of Homegrown Pediatrics, Jinnie Randolph, community activist, Nick Sciara, avid outdoor enthusiast, Michael Keller, comedian and optimist, Breanne Abbott, trauma therapist, and Dan and Carla Kruszynski, loving parents of Daniel Kruszynski will be involved in the show. “Aiden Park will be working with these community members the week of September 14th to create punch lines, comedic stories, and stand up one-liners,” explains Laura. “They’ll be putting together a show that can only be seen at the event. It’s sure to be a good time, with lots of laughs and community connection.”
Comedy and storytelling are not only entertaining, but therapeutic. “Laughing is healing,” explains Laura. “We hope to help people have a fun evening, but also realize that laughter is truly good for the soul.”
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the event page on Facebook @ CCA-Connecting Communities in Action.