Host Kevin Sullivan keeps things light at the Laugh Your Lungs Off comedy night to benefit the American Lung Association. - Dr. Vera DePalo of the American Lung Association's board, at left is joined by Linda Davis. At right, Gretchen Dow Simpson and Dr. Jim Baird have some laughs.

Sunday, February 11, 2007

It was a laughing matter - but for a good cause.

Comedian Mary Ellen Rinaldi and host Kevin Sullivan kept the giggles and chortles wafting through the ballroom of the Westin Hotel on Feb. 3. It all brought smiles to the planners of Laugh Your Lungs Off, which raised $11,700 for the American Lung Association.

The nonprofit's first comedy-night fundraiser drew a sold-out crowd of nearly 400. The guests were mostly young people in casual-chic outfits.

Richard "Ace" Aceto, a board member and comedian who works for a pharmaceutical company, said the event had surpassed his expectations. "We figured it would be a small event," he said. "We envisioned 100 guests, not four times that."

Dr. Vera DePalo, a pulmonary specialist and board member, initially bought one table for family and friends. But so many people she told about the night of comedy wanted to attend, she ended up reserving three tables.

"Everybody wanted to support this," she said. "This is the best thing for the Lung Association. It lets a lot of people know about lung disease and the scope of it."

Mother and daughter Sally and Sara Strachan of Providence said that they knew nothing of the organization until they saw a notice for the comedy night. Sara suffers from asthma, and is grateful that the nonprofit exists. "We discovered a place where I can get involved and make a difference," she said.

What brought many folks to the night of laughs was the $20 ticket price. "You can¹t find a better bargain for a night out on the town in Providence," said Grace Dugan, who volunteered at the party as part of her work with the Junior League of Rhode Island. "The $20 ticket buys you food, entertainment and free parking."

Bianca Walker came from East Hartford to volunteer at the event. She said that "I knew it would be a good time. I'm happy to see so many people here."

For comedian Aceto, what was accomplished was a larger presence for the American Lung Association. "That's very important," he noted. "Not a lot of people have heard about us."