Laff-Aholics
Annual Charity Event
Stand-up Comedy Benefit for Recovery
Marti MacGibbon, founder, producer, and host of the show, created Laff-aholics with two main purposes in mind: (1) raise money for people in recovery that are most vulnerable financially (2) provide a sober event that encourages laughter, fun and social connectivity for the recovery community — especially for those who are new to this lifestyle, currently in treatment, or fresh out of rehab.
Marti’s years of experience as a professional standup comic taught her the healing and transformational power of laughter, both in her own life and those of others. As a recovering addict and addiction treatment specialist, Marti has witnessed the power of humor and laughter in recovery. That’s why she started Laff-aholics!
The venue for the event is the Toby Theater in the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA), 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis 46208. Founded in 1883, the IMA is among the 10 largest and oldest museums in the U.S. and offers significant holdings of African, American, Asian, European and contemporary art. The IMA sits on 100 acres of breathtakingly preserved land, and the museum has built meditation paths for visitors to enjoy.
Laff-Aholics 2015 proved sensational! Dave Landau (Last Comic Standing finalist, Comedy Central fave, and a frequent guest on the Bob and Tom Show) killed with his own brand of wickedly funny comedy. We welcomed the return of Doug Starks, an electrifying Las Vegas entertainer and hilarious comic. The show initially raised $5755 from ticket sales, and we are currently waiting to hear the results from a possible private donor that will augment the funds raised for beneficiaries Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation and Foundation for Court Promoted Recovery.
We proudly feature top shelf comics, national headliners. Excellent comics have graced the Laff-Aholics stage in previous years as well.
Laff-Aholics 2017 is scheduled for Saturday, October 7th. See you there!
Laff-Aholics 2016 blew the roof off, with a sold-out show and non-stop laughter! Deepest gratitude to our sponsor, Community Health Network in Indianapolis. The hilarious Norm Stulz of Detroit, and the brilliant Karen Rontowski of Los Angeles headlined the show. Marti MacGibbon hosted the event. 2016 beneficiaries are Progress House and Seeds of Hope, non-profits in Indianapolis that provide transitional housing and access to addiction treatment and mental health care for people in recovery. One hundred percent of the profits from Laff-Aholics go to our beneficiaries. Recovery Rocks!
Laff-Aholics 2015 blew us all away with celebration of recovery, fun, and laughter. The 5th annual event featured the hilarious Dave Landau of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, and Doug Starks, a hot Las Vegas headliner who tours internationally. Emcee Marti MacGibbon rocked the house, and local funny man Jeffrey Lewis did a seven minute guest set. This year’s show raised $5775 in ticket revenues on Oct. 10th, then a private family foundation matched that sum, making Laff-Aholics 2015 the best show yet, with a grand total of $11,450 for our two beneficiaries, Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation (HVAF) and Foundation for Court Promoted Recovery.
Laff-Aholics 2014 exceeded all expectations! The 4th annual fundraiser featured Rich Aronovitch, of Last Comic Standing, HBO, Comedy Central and Tonight Show. We welcomed the return of Ritch Shydner, comedy legend and all-around funny man with an HBO special, and multiple appearances on Late Night with David Letterman, Tonight Show, Showtime, and more. The show initially raised $5500 on Oct. 4th, then in November, a private family foundation matched that sum, resulting in a grand total of $11,000 for 2014 beneficiary, Pathway to Recovery.
Laff-aholics 2013 featured hilarious comedians: Dr. Bill Miller (Showtime and Chicago headliner) and Kevin McPeek (Writer for Will and Grace and Everybody Loves Raymond, national headliner). Marti will emcee. The show is scheduled for Saturday, October 19, 2013, and beneficiaries are The Talbot House and Lucille Raines Residence, Inc.
Laff-aholics 2012 totally kicked butt, with Karen Rontowski, hilarious comedienne who crushed on Late Night with David Letterman, and Doug Starks, a killer Las Vegas talent with an over-the-top show that headlines the Strip. Marti kicked it off with her usual high-energy, no holds barred style, then introduced Indy’s own Jeffrey Lewis, who did a five minute guest set. Our beneficiaries were Beacon House, Place of Power, and New Life J.R. Jessee Sober Living.
Laff-aholics 2011, our inaugural show, knocked it out of the park, bringing us Alonzo Bodden, winner of Last Comic Standing and star of the Showtime Special, “Who’s Paying Attention,” and Ritch Shydner — of HBO, Showtime, Tonight Show and Letterman. Oh yeah, and Marti. She kicked off the show and hosted. 2011 beneficiaries were Dove House, Talbot House and Rich Recovery Services.