LaughFest, a cornerstone event supporting Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, brought a full house of laughter and generosity to Lowell on Friday, March 7, 2025. The sold-out show, hosted at First Congregational UCC of Lowell, was a night of humor, heart, and a community rallying behind a vital cause.
A Night of Comedy for a Cause
The evening kicked off with opening remarks from Wendy Wigger, President of Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, and Brad Gandy, President and CEO of Crystal Flash.
Wigger emphasized that LaughFest is “a festival that is good for you and also for a good cause,” expressing gratitude to the event’s major sponsors, including Gun Lake Casino, Crystal Flash, King Milling, and Meijer. She noted that most of Gilda’s Club’s services are free, and events like this help sustain their mission.
Meijer offered a generous dollar-for-dollar community match up to $20,000, and in a surprise move, Gandy revealed that Crystal Flash would be stepping up to match donations as well, doubling the potential impact for the evening. Gilda’s Club, established in Lowell in 2009, provides free support services to individuals on a cancer journey or grieving the loss of a loved one. With more than 150 different events and support groups, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids — under which the Lowell clubhouse operates — continues to make a profound difference in people’s lives.
Scattered throughout the venue were bright yellow smile cards, each featuring notes from children sharing what makes them smile—a touching reminder of the joy and support that Gilda’s Club fosters.
Setting the Stage
Opening act Will Green from Grand Ledge warmed up the crowd with his sharp humor, preparing them for the main event: Corey B. A seasoned stand-up comedian with a massive TikTok following of 10.7 million, Corey B. took the stage and immediately engaged with the audience, making them feel like part of the show.
Performing in a church posed an amusing challenge for both comedians. They joked about the massive cross looming over them, glancing up as if expecting divine judgment for their no-holds-barred material. The audience roared with laughter as they played off the unique setting.
Comedy with a Personal Touch
Originally from Tampa, Florida, and now based in New York City, Corey B. brought more than just jokes—he brought a personal connection to the cause. His fiancée, Alicia Aucoin, is a cervical cancer survivor, and his grandmother, who battled cancer, unfortunately passed away due to surgical complications. For Corey, performing for Gilda’s Club wasn’t just another gig—it was a way to give back.
“There are a lot of times you just aren’t sure where the money goes,” he shared. “But with Gilda’s Club, you know it’s going to families in need, and that’s why I do it.”
His comedy, a mix of candid and sometimes crude observations about life, had the audience in stitches. He interacted with attendees, making the night feel intimate and unscripted.
Rebekah Fowler and Katlin Maglosky, audience members and Corey B. fans, praised the performance. “It was worth every penny,” Maglosky said, adding that they were surprised at how affordable the tickets were for such a high-quality show.
Audience members Al Nienhuis and Katina Bartosiewicz also praised the show, with Nienhuis enthusiastically declaring himself a huge fan of Corey B.
At the end of the night, Corey B. stayed behind to take photos with everyone who wanted one. He was gracious and giving, making sure each fan got their moment with him, further endearing himself to the audience.
The Volunteers Who Make It Happen
LaughFest wouldn’t be possible without its dedicated volunteers—more than 200 of them.
Amanda, a longtime volunteer from Greenville, proudly shared that she has been involved since the festival’s inception 15 years ago. “There are so many ways to help through Gilda’s Club,” she said. “My favorite part is being an ambassador for this incredible organization.”
Comedy as a Shield and a Sword
When asked how he got into comedy, Corey B. reflected on his childhood. “As a kid, I was small and got picked on a lot,” he admitted. “But humor helped deflect the bullying.” Inspired by comedy legends like Katt Williams, Dave Chappelle, Eddie Murphy, and Richard Pryor, he found his own voice in stand-up.
And on this night in Lowell, that voice rang loud and clear—delivering laughs, raising funds, and proving that comedy can be both healing and powerful.
As the audience left the venue, smiles lingered on their faces, not just from the jokes but from the knowledge that their laughter had helped make a difference.
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