Correction: An earlier version of this blog post suggested that $1 of the $15 ticket proceeds would go towards the YMCA. All proceeds went to the YMCA. The Daily Tar Heel apologizes for the error.
Four years ago, as a collaboration between the Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA and the Dirty South Comedy Theater — the YLaugh Benefit — was born.
YLaugh is a three-day comedy festival to benefit the Y’s We Build People campaign. The money will help provide scholarships for summer camps, youth sports and family memberships.
“(DSI) wants to make (the Y’s) programs extremely accessible to anyone, and not let anyone be turned away,” said Zach Ward, executive producer of DSI.
DSI has hosted a comedy festival to help various charitable community organizations for almost nine years.
But it was four years ago, while working with the Chapel Hill Chamber of Commerce, that Ward forged a friendship with the local Y.
Ward met Greg Lee, senior membership and marketing director of the Y, and merged their charities into one — YLaugh.
“We really love to partner with DSI,” Lee said. “Its great to know there are organizations out there who support us in what we do.”
The festival will feature comedy duels and hard-hitting improv, as well as cleaner blocks designated as “family-friendly.”
This year, the 24-hour improv marathon, 24LIVE!, returns. Ward’s comedy recruits will take the stage from 7 p.m. Friday to 7 p.m. Saturday, changing sets every half hour.
Those who sit through 24LIVE! will receive a free ticket to one DSI show every week for the rest of the calendar year, as well as theater recognition.
Among Ward’s cast of performers are several local comedians, including the 2010 Carolina’s Funniest Comic winner, Tom Keller.
“It’s an incredible opportunity for the improv community to get together and help a worthy cause,” Ward said.
YLaugh runs from Sept. 23 until Sept. 25 at the DSI Comedy Theater in Carrboro. Purchase a weekend bracelet for $15. Visit their website to purchase tickets. For every ticket sold, all profits go to the Y.
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