Ryan Gartley had the audience captivated while he told a joke about living in Aroostook County.
Members of the community looking to laugh and donate to a good cause got what they asked for when they attended the Taco Bell presents: Ryan Gartley & Friends comedy show. The event, which took place on Thursday, Sep. 14, left all in attendance in fits of uncontrollable laughter.
The fundraising comedy show was organized to benefit future renovations to Wieden Hall. The show was free to the public, but donations were welcome at the door.
Ryan Gartley, a native of Presque Isle, performed as a comedian and as the MC for the show. His two fellow comic friends, Kyle Crawford and Riley Hamil, also performed stand-up at the comedy show.
Gartley opened the show with his first bit, which included hilarious anecdotes about his wife and children. Much of his material consisted of his upbringing in the County, which left quite the hysterical impression on local members of the crowd.
The young gun, Riley Hamil, performed next. New to stand-up comedy, Hamil provided unique, comical insight that only a twentysomething can.
After another funny bit by Gartley, Crawford closed out the show. Highlights of his performance included poor Dunkin’ Donuts experiences and how he hates riding in airplanes with his wife.
The fundraising show not only brought people together to laugh; it also provided substantial donations for new renovations to Wieden Hall. “I think fundraising is very important because it gives us a better opportunity to provide for the community,” Tiffany Smith, a student at UMPI, said.
Plans for future fundraising events to benefit Wieden Hall renovations are in the works.
