Stories From Main Street: Gilda's Club Social Media Fundraiser Hopes To Bring Out Inner Comedians
HACENSACK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Gilda Radner had a rare gift.
Even in her darkest days fighting cancer, the comedian knew laughter could be good medicine.
It's a core belief at Gilda's Club, an organization that helps families grappling with cancer, and it's the basis for a new fundraising campaign, WCBS 880's Sean Adams reported.
Gilda's Club Social Media Fundraiser Hopes To Bring Out Inner Comedians
"Basically, it's kind of like the ALS (Ice Bucket) Challenge, but different," said comedian Vince August, who is working on the campaign. "You don't have to dump water on your head and freeze and do something like that.
"Tell a joke, record it and then tell people to either tell a joke themselves or donate. And it's really easy to donate. You text the word 'Gilda' to 41444."
Comedian Gilbert Gottfried is among those who have participated.
But you don't have to be a stand-up comic. Regular people can tell jokes, too.
"Everyone thinks that they have a comedian inside them," August said. "This is your chance to let out your inner comedian."
Participants are using the tag "#CancerRUJoking" on social media.
Radner was an original cast member of "Saturday Night Live," from 1975 until 1980. She became known for characters such as the crass "Weekend Update" commentator Roseanne Roseannadanna and a Barbara Walters parody named Baba Wawa.
Radner was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1986, and she died three years later at age 42.
Gilda's Club has chapters throughout the country. The Northern New Jersey chapter is behind the #CancerRUJoking campaign.
The original, flagship location is in Manhattan.
