Events Archive

2015 Humor to Fight the Tumor Event

The 12th annual Humor to Fight the Tumor is September 12, 2015 at 6 P.M.

2014 Humor to Fight the Tumor Event

On Saturday, September 13, Humor to Fight the Tumor held its 11th annual gala. It was a record setting night for dollars raised for The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA). 675 people attended, and over $310,000 was raised to provide research and awareness for the disease. To date, Humor to Fight the Tumor has raised over $2 million dollars. The 11th annual gala featured remarks from founder Joelle Syverson, who announced that Humor to Fight the Tumor has been granted its own 501c3 status. Also part of the evening were live and silent auctions, comedy from David Wood, and stories of hope and determination by our four honorees: Finnegan Rolfes, Bill Travis, Jon Yeager, and Stacy Zwerdling.

2013 Humor to Fight the Tumor Event

On Saturday, September 21, Humor to Fight the Tumor held its 10th Anniversary gala to raise funds and awareness for The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA). Over 600 people attended, and over $260,000 was raised to provide research and awareness tor the disease. To date we have raised over $1.7 million. The 10th Annual Gala featured remarks from Kristin Gray, a Humor to Fight the Tumor Board Member, highlighting all the advances in brain tumor research in the past ten years. Also part of the evening were live and silent auctions, comedy from Jeff Allen, and stories of hope and determination by our four honorees: Janis Jaeger, Shannon O’Hara, Molly Schoen, and Brian Wimmler.

2012 Humor to Fight the Tumor Event

On Saturday, September 22, Humor to Fight the Tumor held its annual gala. It was a record setting night, both in terms of attendance and dollars raised for The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA). Seven hundred people attended, and over $304,000 was raised to provide research and awareness tor the disease. To date we have raised over $1.4 million. The 9th Annual Gala featured remarks from Dr. Nadia Laack, a radiation oncologist from Mayo Clinic about the bright future of proton beam therapy in fight against brain tumors. Also part of the evening were live and silent auctions, comedy from John Bush, and stories of hope and determination by our four honorees: Jackie Carlson, Mia Gerold, Mike Nanne, Kyhaunn Woods.

2011 Humor to Fight the Tumor Event

2010 Humor to Fight the Tumor Event

The 2010 Humor to Fight the Tumor gala was the most successful in our organization’s history, both in attendance and the money raised for The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA). Held on September 18, 2010, over 570 people attended and it netted over $211,000. This year’s sold-out gala featured a performance by Emmy-winning comedian Jeff Stilson, remarks by Mayo Clinic Oncologist Jan Buckner, M.D., a dinner, live and silent auctions, and personal brain tumor stories of determination and courage.

2009 Humor to Fight the Tumor Event

The 6th Annual Humor to Fight the Tumor was held Saturday, September 19th at The Depot in downtown Minneapolis with over 560 people in attendance. The gala raised over $166,000 for brain tumor research and patient services. Honorees included Kristen Jo Anderson, Randy Geller, Anna vanKoeverden, and Corey Miller.
The goal of Humor to Fight the Tumor has always been to move people through the power of hope and laughter to contribute to the important work of the ABTA. By sharing stories of those affected by brain tumors – sometimes heartbreaking, always uplifting – we shine a light on the devastating effects of a disease that attacks the very centers of movement, thought, and emotion. That light kindles hope, hope fuels generosity, and generosity paves the way for new treatments.

2008 Humor to Fight the Tumor Event

The 2008 Humor to Fight the Tumor was an enormous success. The event raised over $140,000 and drew 540 people to The Depot in downtown Minneapolis. The event was emceed by KARE-TV’s Belinda Jenson and featured musician (and brain tumor survivor) David M. Bailey and comedian Randy Lubas.

2007 Humor to Fight the Tumor Event

The 2007 “Humor to Fight the Tumor” was held on September 27 for its 4th annual event. The evening raised more than $141,000, 100% of which will help support the American Brain Tumor Association in the areas of research and patient services. The event drew over 500 people united in its goal of raising awareness about the devastating effects of brain tumors.

2006 Humor to Fight the Tumor Event

The 3rd annual “Humor to Fight the Tumor” event took place on Friday, July 21st at the Sheraton Hotel in Bloomington. This year a subtle change was made to the name of the event by adding two words to the former “Humor for the Tumor” title. Though the change was subtle, the meaning has a big impact, as the goal of the event is to raise funds and awareness to aid in the fight against brain tumors.