New partnerships and funding crack-open opportunities for mental health in Ottawa
OTTAWA, ON, April 26, 2016 – Alterna Savings Cracking-up the Capital Comedy Festival (CUTC), the National Capital’s premiere comedy event in support of mental health, is pleased to announce funding and new partnerships.
Funding from Celebrate Ontario will set the comedy festival up to tackle its most ambitious goal yet. The festival aims to raise $150,000 in support of programs and organizations that “crack-open” doors to create access to mental health and recovery services in Ottawa. CUTC will use the funding to help bring bigger talent, more shows, and support a huge effort to set new Guinness World Records that will make Ottawa the Snow Capital of the World during Ottawa 2017.
Alterna Savings Cracking-up the Capital is delighted to announce that Canadian Comedy Icon, Mary Walsh is coming on board as Honorary Chair for the comedy festival, joining the festivals co-chairs, Councillors Allan Hubley and Tim Tierney. Walsh may be best known for ambushing politicians as Marg Delahunty, but she is also an inspired activist for recovery and mental health.
Walsh says, “I'm thrilled to officially join Alterna Savings Cracking-Up The Capital Comedy Festival in its triumphant and lucky, lucky, lucky 13th year. It's an honour to work with such dedicated people, let alone how chuffed I am to be in the company of such brilliant, hysterically funny comics from all across the country, all in an effort to help promote mental health in Ottawa... and God knows we need it!”
Big changes are also expected resulting from an exciting three-year agreement with Alterna Savings - the comedy festival’s exclusive title sponsor. This sponsorship will drive a festival name change and represents a partnership that engages the community, and its 100,000 plus Ottawa members just in time for Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017.
“We are honoured to extend and deepen our commitment to this incredible community event. The festival can count on the full support of our members and employees as we go forward as partners in raising awareness and resourcing in support of local mental health initiatives,” said Alterna Savings, President & CEO, Rob Paterson.
Join recipient of the comedy festivals 2013, Comedy Icon Award, Mike MacDonald and The Honourable, Yasir Naqvi, MPP (Ottawa Centre) as they deliver the announcements at: Festival House, 450 Churchill Ave N, Ottawa, at 10:30am, Thursday, April 28th.
We are looking forward to announcing the festival line-up and projects in the fall.
About Alterna Savings Cracking-up the Capital Comedy Festival
Run by volunteers from all walks of life, Alterna Savings Cracking-Up the Capital Comedy Festival (CUTC) is a small not-for-profit organization that supports local mental health agencies. By day, they are marketing and communications consultants, public servants, real estate professionals and more, but by night, they become a comedy show producing team with energy to spare! To learn more about visit crackup.ca.
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Media Contact:
Jackie Duhard, Communication Specialist
P: 613-983-8380
E: jackie@jackieduhard.com