August 18, 2008 Michael AugustineLisez en Francais
Hey folks,
Well, this was an incredible weekend for volunteering even by my standards. I participated in not just one but TWO entirely different MS fundraisers over the course of the weekend. Both were incredibly fun, and both were incredibly successful! I’ve decided, therefore, to relate these events in two separate blog entries because I want to treat them both with the respect they deserve.
First up was a comedy night fundraiser at the infamous Club 54 in Burlington, Ontario. Those of you who live in Canada will recognize it from the television show of the same name airing on the Comedy Network. Many a night has been spent by Canadians, rocking back and forth with laughter as they watched some of the best comedy on TV. Host Bill Guyatt was on-hand as the MC for the evening, and - man! Is that “guy” funny! (heh)
The evening was in support of MS Climb 2008 which involves an amazing group of people who have come together hoping to raise $1,000,000 through once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Ralph Cochrane of Toronto is the founders of MS Climb and is planning several more adventure challenges. The first trek will be a 4 days journey along the Inca Trail to the ancient city of Machu Picchu, in central Peru. To that end, this comedy event was spear-headed by one of the group’s members, Jasmine Theberge.
Comedians featured that night included Bill, as well as Bill Davern & Shannon Bell. There was also a very successful silent auction and 50/50 draw. The air was occasionally, well...blue, with slightly more urbane humour. Nonetheless this had them rolling in the aisles. Overall, everyone had a really good time!
And believe it or not, yours truly tried his hand at some good ol’ fashioned stand-up (i.e. sit-down...heh) comedy. Although I did get a few good laughs from the audience, I ended up getting nervous towards the end, and just rambled for last minute. Still, I couldn’t have been that bad, as Bill Guyatt actually invited me to come down to an open mic night to improve my routine. Perhaps I have potential, after all.
It really could have been worse - at least no one threw rotten food at me!
That’s it for THAT fundraiser. Next up is the Brampton to Waterloo RONA MS Bike Tour 2008.
Be sure to check in...same MS Time...same MS Channel!
Irreverently Yours,
Augy, who is less funny than Robin Williams, but, also, less hairy!