HOLYOKE – On April 5, the Women Business Owners Alliance’s (WBOA) truly puts the fun in fundraising with its annual Women’s Night of Comedy from 5 to 9:30 p.m. at the Log Cabin.

Over the years this fun fest has raised more than $50,000 for charities throughout the Valley. This year’s proceed recipients are Girls Inc. of Holyoke – whose mission is to “inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold” – and the WBOA’s Cheryl Reed Memorial Loan Fund – which supports women-owned startups and offers development aid through low-interest loans.  

“This is really a celebration of our 25th Anniversary of this fundraiser,” Shelley Hines, WBOA event chair, told Reminder Publications. “For all these years we’ve always had standup comedy and this year we’re doing something totally different.”

Hines said for its 2018 event, the WBOA reached out to a locally based improv group, The Ha Ha’s, to provide the evening’s entertainment.

“I love the Ha Ha’s, they really are sharp, sharp thinkers,” said Hines, who will be acting as the evening’s MC. “Every show is original on the spot, we call it ‘ambitious improv’.”

Hines said the Ha Ha’s will be doing two comedy sets during the evening, but that won’t be the only fun awaiting attendees. There will be an opportunity to shop and consult with an array of local vendors before the show – “everything from business advice to homemade foods to fashion support” for women businesses, said Hines – plus a charity basket and a 50/50 raffle.

In addition, those groups and organizations that purchase a full table of VIP tickets will have an opportunity to participate in the night’s Themed Table Contest.

“This will start with a VIP gathering at 4:30 p.m. first, then people will have time to dress up their tables,” Hines said. Judging will take place between the Ha Ha’s two comedy sets.

Tickets are $100 per person for the VIP gathering – which includes a pre-event hors d’oevures reception in addition to a plated dinner, shopping opportunity, raffles and the comedy show.         

Regular admission, priced at $60 per person, includes a cocktail hour with vendors, raffles, dinner and the comedy show. Vegan and gluten-free meals will be available. To purchase tickets  online visit wboa.org/event/wnoc2018/.

Hines noted the annual comedy evening typically draws 300 to 400 local women.

“If you don’t know anybody, don’t worry, we will seat you at a table and you’ll leave with some new friends,” Hines said.

Diamond sponsor for the 25th Women’s Night of Comedy is WEIB 106.3 Smooth Jazz FM, a Northampton-based radio station run by WBOA member Carol Cutting. Hines said additional sponsorship opportunities are still available at various levels. For more information visit https://wboa.org/get-involved/support.

For more information about the WBOA visit wboa.org.