REGIONAL – Cancer is not funny, but comedian Paul Gilligan and friends have raised a lot of money year after year cracking jokes to raise money for the non-profit Solace for Stephanie that makes life a little easier for North Shore cancer victims.
From being a class clown to one of the most requested comedians in the greater Boston area, Gilligan was honored recently by the Massachusetts Senate. The senators praised Gilligan for “Your Demonstrated Dedication and Commitment in Helping Individuals In Need.”
The citation was sponsored by state Sen. Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, and nominated by the Solace board of directors, which is composed of Stephanie Jenkins’ family and her friend, MaryAnn (Mo) Levasseur.
Inspired by Stephanie, a popular Rowley hairdresser, mother, wife, sister and friend, who died of cancer in 2010, the all-volunteer Solace has helped 104 cancer victims with gift cards for food and gas, prescriptions, massages and physical therapy.
The all-volunteer organization, which is still run by Stephanie’s friends and family, also funded the construction of the Eiras playground behind the Rowley Police Department that was renovated by the town of Rowley this year.
Gilligan and friends have performed at Solace’s annual Comedy Night fundraiser for 13 years. And last year, the laughter Gilligan, Paul D’Angelo and Mitch Stinson brought raised $25,000.
“Paul has a gift and is a gift,” Levasseur wrote of him. “What he has provided to Solace is immeasurable. He is the magic of our annual fundraiser. He fills the house and brings the house down with his wit and humor and on spot improv.
“He coordinates a stellar show each year, and the feedback we receive from the supporters continues to just get better. Solace for Stephanie has been blessed to know Paul Gilligan and also to have Paul as our biggest supporter! Thank you, Paul!”
The Comedy Night is held annually at the Topsfield Fair Grounds and is widely supported by local businesses and individual donors.
For more information on Solace, visit solaceforstephanie.org.
Mo Levasseur, Rolly Levasseur, Paul Gilligan, Ron Jenkins, Dan Jenkins
