Comedy night fundraiser to honor Ashton Conroy, support Blood Cancer United

Comedian Jess Miller
Republican file photo

CHICOPEE — A night of laughter, love and purpose is set to take place at the Chicopee Elks Lodge, 431 Granby Rd, on Saturday, May 16, as FunnyRaising Comedy Shows is partnering with Crystal Conroy and Ashton’s Army for a comedy night fundraiser.

This event will honor the life of Ashton Conroy, whose life was cut short by a rare and aggressive form of pediatric leukemia. After months of treatment, a remission and a devastating relapse, Conroy passed away on Feb. 28, 2025, just before his second birthday.

Now, in his honor, Crystal Conroy, Ashton’s mother, is turning the loss into action by raising awareness and funding for Blood Cancer United.

The show will help Conroy raise the necessary funds she needs to become a “Visionary of the Year” for Blood Cancer United, meaning all the money raised will benefit families affected by blood cancer while raising awareness for rare and underfunded diagnoses.

According to its website, “Visionary of the Year candidates form powerful fundraising teams and compete in honor of two local blood cancer survivors. The individual who has raised the most funds during the 10-week campaign is awarded the prestigious title of ‘Visionary of the Year’ in their community.”

The show is rated R and is for audiences 21 years old and over. Doors and dinner begin at 5:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $40 in advance or $50 at the door. Tickets are available at funnyraising.com, and guests can bring their own snacks.

FunnyRaising Comedy Shows Founder and Comedian Jess Miller talked about the upcoming fundraiser that goes towards a good cause.

“We believe comedy can do more than entertain. It can bring people together when it matters most,” Miller said. “This night is about honoring Ashton, supporting Crystal, and showing what a community can do when it shows up for one another.”

The scheduled lineup is currently Miller, PJ Thibodeau and Jody Sloane. The lineup is subject to change without notice.

Miller is a Western Massachusetts based stand-up comedian, producer and philanthropist. She has performed at major venues across the country, including Caroline’s on Broadway, the Laugh Factory in Hollywood and the New York Comedy Club, and won the Ladies Room Comedy Festival in NYC.

She is the founder of FunnyRaising Comedy ShowsTM, which uses live comedy events to raise funds for individuals and organizations, helping to raise nearly $1 million for various nonprofits and local causes.