MVES Comedy Night a True Bellyful of Laughs

Local comedians Paul Gilligan and Dave Russo kept the laughs coming at Mystic Valley Elder Services’ (MVES) comedy fundraiser, “A Bellyful of Laughs,” on Saturday, January 23 at Anthony’s Restaurant in Malden. Over 400 people attended the event, enjoying a buffet dinner, the local humor of the comedians, and the opportunity to win numerous raffle prizes.

“The event’s success was beyond what we originally had hoped for,” said MVES Director of Development Jenny Vanasse. “We sold out prior to the evening and Paul and Dave didn’t disappoint!”

“A Bellyful of Laughs” raised over $15,000 for MVES’ Meals on Wheels program. The money raised will pay for approximately 7,500 Meals on Wheels for area elders. MVES provides Meals on Wheels to elders in the communities of Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, and Wakefield.

Event goers not only enjoyed laughs, but many also walked away with raffle prizes. Donated raffle prizes included community-themed baskets, a wine chest, and a flat-screen television. All told, the raffle prizes were worth more than $3,000.