Gilda’s Club Greater Atlanta (GCGA) is inviting everyone to experience the healing powers of laughter during Atlanta’s first ‘Week of Laughter’ happening at various locations around the city during Sept. 4-7, 2007.

The week’s events will feature some of the best local comedians and highlight the ways humor can aid in the physical and emotional healing process as well as increase a person’s overall sense of well-being. GCGA is putting on the week long festivity in order to raise awareness and the funds needed in order to open their doors in the next 1-2 years.

“Our goal with the Week of Laughter is to show the people of Atlanta and beyond what Gilda’s Club has to offer this great city,” said Executive Director Joanne Reilley. “When GCGA opens here, the families touched by cancer and their friends will have a much needed place to go for emotional and social support- and of course laughter! This week will provide a glimpse into what can be expected from us as well as the support we need to open our doors.”

Week of Laughter events include:

Tuesday, Sept. 4, 7:30 a.m.:                Side-Splitting Breakfast at The Bagel Palace
$25 for admission- purchased at gildasclubatlanta.org or at the door
Local comedians Shelly Bloom, Carolyn Buttram, Joshua Rand, and Kenn Kingston will get the laughter rolling and help breakfast guests kick-start their morning while they feast upon a buffet of muffins, bagels and other pastries.

Wednesday, Sept. 5, 7:00 p.m.:    LAFF-OFF at The Punchline
                                                            $20 for admission- purchased through The Punchline
Inspired by the hit television show, “Last Comic Standing,” top local comedians chosen by The Punchline will compete for

-more-
laughs and a VIP pass to Friday’s Week of Laughter event ‘Interview & A Movie’ featuring a live interview with actor
Gene Wilder. Special guest judges for the evening include owner of Wild Bills night club and recording artist Bill Gentry, music industry executive Charlie Brusco, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Human Resources B.J. Walker, and general manager of the Whole World Theater Chip Powell.

Thursday, Sept. 6, Noon:                        Gut-Busting Luncheons at various locations        
                                                            Free- by invitation only
Companies such as Emory Crawford Long Medical Center, Turner Broadcasting Systems, and the Georgia Department of Human Resources are hosting luncheons for their employees while GCGA volunteers and local comedy troupes Playing in Traffic, Laughing Matters, and the Comedy Cobb discuss the issues of cancer in the workplace.

Friday, Sept. 7, 7:00 p.m.:                Interview & A Movie at The Conant Performing Arts Center
                                                            $40 general seating tickets, $125 for VIP pass

After a 10-year hiatus, Gene Wilder returns to Atlanta to sit down with Turner Classic Movie’s host Robert Osborne for an interview and screening of Young Frankenstein. Patrons who choose to purchase VIP passes will gain access to the reception and meet and greet with Wilder as well as preferred seating.

Gilda’s Club is a national nonprofit organization, named in honor of the late Gilda Radner who passed away from Ovarian Cancer in 1989. Radner is best known for her comedic performances on Saturday Night Live in roles such as Rosanne Rosannadanna, Emily Litella and a parody of Lucille Ball. It was her wish that people living with cancer would not have to go through it alone, and often said that having cancer gave her membership to an elite club that she would rather not belong to. With the determination and support of her husband Gene Wilder and others, the first Gilda’s Club opened in 1995, and each clubhouse has since provided free social and emotional support for persons living with cancer and their families.

For more information on GCGA, the Week of Laughter events, or to make a donation, please visit www.gildasclubatlanta.org.