College to Sponsor Comedy for Cancer Fundraiser

The Cayuga Collegian is hosting the event at Cayuga Community College’s Theater April 30thWho: The Cayuga Collegian, CCC’s student-run newspaperWhat: Cayuga Collegian Comedy for Cancer fundraising eventWhere: Ida Bisgrove Theater, Cayuga Community College, 197 Franklin St., AuburnWhen: Friday, April 30, 2010 7 PM *doors open at 6:30 PMHow much: $5 donation: 100% of the money raised will go to cancer researchFor Immediate Release (4-16-10): Comedy and cancer– you wouldn’t think they would go together….but join the Cayuga Collegian (Cayuga Community College’s student newspaper) as they host a night of Comedy for Cancer, Friday, April 30th at the college’s Ida Bisgrove Theater. Doors open at 6:30 PM and the show starts at 7 PM. $5 Donation at the door. The public is invited. All money raised will go to cancer research.The event is especially meaningful since The Collegian’s long-time faculty advisor, Mary G. Merritt, of Marcellus, is a stage 3 colorectal cancer survivor and also the headliner comedian Nigel Larson’s dad battled prostate cancer.”Cancer is no joke…but I think it was bunches of healthy laughter that got me through my battle and keeps me healthy today,” said Cayuga Collegian advisor and CCC Assistant Professor Mary G. Merritt. “I told every joke I could think of about my situation because it helped break the tension and put others at ease.”Merritt says The Collegian snapped up the opportunity to not only provide entertainment for the students and the community, but to do something for the community, as well. “100 percent of the admission fee ($5 per person) will go to cancer research.”Taking the stage for the event, three comics from the Rochester area including former Cayuga Collegian editor-in-chief and 2007 CCC alum, Mat Kratts of Olean. While finishing his degree in broadcast media at SUNY Brockport, Mat recently embarked on a venture to establish himself as a stand-up comic with some success.”Having Mat as part of the act brings the event added meaning,” said Merritt. “The Collegian gets to help a cause while helping the career of a former Collegian staff member who gave his heart to the newspaper while he was here. That’s what life is about–helping each other.”The headlining, professional comedian, Nigel Larson, of Rochester, has been recognized in the Rochester press as one of the funniest and hardest working comics under the age of 30. Larson has been featured at clubs in and around Rochester and has performed at several colleges. “I’ve even showcased in LA.,” said Larson. “I’m currently working on a local TV show which may get submitted to a number of networks.”Larson says much of his act is fueled by his overactive imagination which is fueled by his condition of AD/HD. “Much of my writing is spurred by the bizarre relationships I’ve had with girls I met through Internet dating services,“ joked Larson.The third comic is Billy T. Anglin of Rochester. He says comedy for him is a gift and a curse. “I enjoy making others laugh,” he said. Raised in a large family, Anglin says moments growing up with plenty of siblings help him develop his act. “To significantly dilute the anger of a brother who has just gotten into a fight is an interesting thing, and the feeling I get from causing such a transition is what I live for. When I can make my sisters smile through tears and eventually giggle uncontrollably with dry faces, then I’m happy.”