I had absolutely no idea what I was heading into, but as it turned out, I had the good fortune of…read moreattending the Peace Arch Hospice Society presentation of "A Night of Comedy Dedicated to Finding Comfort, Community, and Healing Through Humour." What an amazing evening! In fact, it was one of the best comedy events I've ever had the pleasure of attending.
The evening's title was perfectly chosen: Grief n' Giggles - Coffin Up Comedy. If that name alone doesn't make you smile, the performers certainly will.
Perhaps the most unexpected part of the evening was the venue itself: Victory Memorial Park Funeral Centre. Having only lived in White Rock for a short time, I had no idea this beautiful facility even existed. And before you let the words "funeral home" scare you off, don't. It's a stunning property with peaceful grounds that are perfect for a nature walk. Not exactly the first place that comes to mind when someone says, "Want to get some fresh air?" but maybe it should be.
The brochure featured the tagline: "They say laughter is the best medicine, so we're throwing an event all about healing with humour -- no prescription required." Judging by the roughly 300 people in attendance, I'd say the prescription was filled.
The evening was expertly hosted by Cliff Prang, who didn't miss a beat. OMG, he was hilarious. Melanie Rose and Vanessa Woznow rounded out the comedy roster, and together they delivered a night of laughter that had the audience roaring.
You know how it is when you walk into a venue you've never been to before. There's the cautious step through the doorway, followed by the obligatory scan of the room to make sure you haven't accidentally wandered into the wrong event. In my case, I was greeted by no fewer than five different people: one welcomed me, two signed me in, one escorted me to the elevator, and finally there was the handsome gentleman whose sole duty appeared to be pressing the elevator button. I've never felt so important in my life.
Once on the second floor, I discovered an entire reception area dedicated to mingling, complete with beautifully arranged buffet tables offering complimentary food and beverages. This came as a complete surprise since admission was by donation only. I had come prepared for comedy, not hors d'oeuvres. Needless to say, I adapted quickly.
Later, the same elevator gentleman took the time to point out a beautifully handcrafted horse-drawn coffin carriage dating back to the 1890s. It was an extraordinary piece of craftsmanship and a fascinating glimpse into local history. Stunning woodwork and well worth a look.
A special shout-out goes to two lovely ladies, Jeanette and Rosetta, whom I met while enthusiastically sampling the buffet. Rosetta is a vivacious volunteer at the Peace Arch Hospice Society Thrift Store, which apparently provides significant funding for the Society's programs. Another shout-out goes to the lady seated beside me, whose infectious laugh kept me laughing throughout the show. Sometimes laughter is contagious in the very best way.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers and organizers who helped make this first-class event possible. From the warm welcome to the delicious refreshments and the outstanding comedy, everything was thoughtfully planned and beautifully executed.
If this was my first Peace Arch Hospice Society event, it certainly won't be my last.
