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Ladies Out Laughing is taking centre stage tonight by John Bkila Oakville Beaver Staff 11 | Friday, May 6, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com There's never been a better reason to laugh out loud. That's the mantra of the organizers of the annual Ladies Out Laughing (LOL) event in Oakville, which fundraises for three charities to support the battle to end cancer. From its beginnings in a downtown Oakville pub nine years ago, the fundraiser has grown to include more than 500 women coming together for a common cause. "It truly has taken a village of generous sponsors, volunteers that have returned year after year and a dedicated committee to make this happen," said Deirdre Thomas, who along with Chris Reidy and Darlene Burnham, was the original founder of the event. When asked what has inspired the organizers to keep the charity comedy night going for nearly a decade, Thomas said it was simply because of the people affected by cancer who shared their stories with them. "How can we not keep going? We know the amount we raise goes directly to help those who battle with this disease every day -- everything we do, however little, makes a difference in the lives of these patients," she noted. This year's event, which sold out the same day tickets went on sale, takes place tonight (Friday) at the OE Banquet and Conference Centre. The event will feature comedians Laurie Elliot (as MC) and New York City's Gina Yashere, making her LOL headlining debut. Since its inception, LOL has raised $320,000 -- a long way from the $6,000 total collected from the inaugural evening, according to Burham. see Ladies on p.13 As independent insurance brokers, we have freedom of choice. So should you. We'll present you with more options designed to better match your protection and budget needs. Deidre Thomas, a founder of the annual Ladies Out Laughing, looks forward to this year's event tonight. | photo by Riziero Vertolli ­ Oakville Beaver Don't settle for one quote from your insurance agent. Let us help you get your money's worth. Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote. weed and feed your lawn 1. Kensington Advantage 6 Visits + 13 treatments eVery 4-5 weeks $ 399 REG $499 Kensington Lawns K Both Plans include: · Assessments · Safe organic slow release fertilizers $ 3 Visits + 9 · Weed Control Pulling & Fiesta treatments Offer ends · Aeration · Over seeding & enriched REG $320 may 24/16 spring, summer & fall compost/top dressing Voted One of Oakville's BEST Lawn Care Companies! Save $100 2. Basic Plan 220 Professional lawn care naturally - for a thick, green and healthy lawn! Planet association of ontario 905-802-0158 Vachon Insurance Group 200-5468 Dundas St W Toronto, ON 1-800-766-8662 vachoninsce.com Licensed by Ministry of the Environment · · · · · · · · Our team of kitchen designers and consultants will guide you through every phase of your renovation process. Free initial design consultation Comprehensive needs analysis Budget development Professional site inspection and field measurements Product selection consultation Design Development with 3D renderings if needed Design review and revision, Itemized project costing Voted Best 3 years in a row! Oakville Kitchen Designers 609 Ford Drive, Oakville | 905.337.2229 Email: john@oakvillekitchendesigners.com www.oakvillekitchendesigners.ca ShOwrOOm hOurS: Located on the north east corner of Cornwall & Ford Drive. Monday to Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Evenings available by appointment. Saturday 10:30 am to 4:30 pm.