zhailey comedy galas - funny fundraisers
In 2016 I decided to set some new goals for my comedy career.
Many of my peers were sharing aspirations and actions to get big gigs, move to the coats, or make it big else where…none of those things felt important to me.
When I did think about it three things came top of mind for me.
I want my shows to help causes I care about.
I want to create elevated experiences for everyone.
I want to have fun!
Since then I have done all three— we have raised thousands of dollars for First Step, the Ruth Ellis Center, Fair Fight Action and the Detroit Creativity Project.
Silly Hearts Dance Party Fundraiser for the Detroit Creativity Project
& Ruth Ellis Center
On Friday May 22, I turned 40. I wanted to celebrate by raising money for two causes I care so deeply about. The Silly Hearts Dance Party fundraiser for the Detroit Creativity Project and Ruth Ellis Center raised $10,000 to be split evenly between the two organizations!
Thank you to the Detroit Creativity Project and Ruth Ellis Center for doing the amazing work you do, and inspiring people, and the world to be yourself, express your creativity, and be in the community.
Thank you to 215W and your team for donating your space, providing exceptional customer service, and being such a magical space to hang in the heart of Ferndale.
Thank you to Glitter Pop Creations, Alcamo Photography, Treat Dreams, Bakehouse46, and Olive’s Bloombox for your generous donations to make the night truly magical.
Thank you to our sponsors the Frankell Family, the Flavell Group, The H Family and Christine Stover.
Thank you to Audrey, Mia,and Kevin for volunteering to help throughout the evening with *EVERYTHING* and doing a masterful job.
Thank you to Doug from Douglas Michael Studio for being an exceptional co-producer and helping things run smooth and enhance the experience for everyone.
Thank you to DJ $hort, DJ $weet, Aqua Tofana, Andre Mason, and Tommy Gun for donating your time and talent to make the dance floor dazzling.
Thank you to Aerial Dragon Fly Studio, Bardford Portraits, Burlesque Karaoke, Busted Bra Shop, Douglas Michael Studios, un and Well Done Organizing, Mint Hair Crafting, Noreen Owens Photography, Poodle & Co, Pouring Kindness, St Dunstan's Theatre, and zhailey coaching for donating to the silent auction!
Thank you to Face by nertila for making my face fancy, and showcasing my natural beauty.
Again, one final time a giant THANK YOU to everyone who showed up, showed out, and had a great time.
Thank you-thank you- THANK YOU!!!
Enjoy the pictures below!
2025 Pride Comedy Gala Fundraiser for
the Ruth Ellis Center
Thank you to the brilliant audience!
Thank you to our sponsor Casamigos, and Good Helpers Heating & Cooling.
Thank you to our incredible volunteers Alice Duhon, Amber Daneen, Astrid Quester, Kelly Reynolds, and Maxwell Steely.
Thank you to DJ T Lou Ease of Intersectional Insights.
Thank you to Heather Jowett Photography for taking photos.
Thank you to Glitter Pop Creations for the sweet treats & naughty lollies!
Thank you to our fabulous line up of comics - Meta Mendel-Reyes, Olivia Heator, Joe Aasim, Kim Turner, Mike Boone, Lauren Noelle, and Nicole Melnyk.
Thank you to all of our silent auction vendors - A New Your Fitness, Bradford Renaissance Portraits, Fun & Well Done Organizing, Glitter Pop Creations, Go Comedy! Improv Theater, Heather Jowett Photography, Mint Hair Crafting, Sister Pie, Six of Chalices Tarot, SOHO Ferndale, and zhailey coaching.
Thank you to everyone who shared the word, made a donation, or shared positive vibes.
Thank you to The Ruth Ellis Staff for showing up everyday to help care of so many people!!!
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE LIVING IN THE POWER OF WHO THEY ARE, SHARING IT WITH THE WORLD AND MAKING BIG CHANGE!
Never forget we can do anything if we stay together, and never give up!!!
2025 Lucky Stars Comedy Gala Fundraiser for the Detroit Creativity Project
This was our first ever comedy gala for the Detroit Creativity Project.
2024 Pride Comedy Gala Fundraiser for the Ruth Ellis Center
We raised $7,400 for the Ruth Ellis Center!
Thank you to our sponsor Good Helpers Heating, Cooling, & Labor Services
Thank you to the incredible photography work - Heather Jowett Photography
Thank you to Belle’s Lounge & Valentine Distilling.
Thank you to Glitter Pop Creations.
Thank you to all of our silent auction vendors; St. Dunstan's Theatre, Nafas Fitness & Yoga Studio, Go Comedy! Improv Theater, A New You Fitness Camp LLC, Samantha Nicole, Danielle Bentzley- Hot Girl Tarot, Tam White's Soul Prov, GAHART Studio, Bradford Portraits, Tease by Noir Leather, Noir Leather, Belle's Lounge, Heather Jowett Photography, Glitter Pop Creations, and zhailey coaching!
Thank you to all of the comics who donated their time and talent - Joe Aasim, Danielle Bentzley, Mike Boone, Ariel Everitt, Lisa Green, Samantha Nicole, Sam Meier, Diana Graham, Nicole Melnyk, Lauren Noelle, Scott Sviland, and Kim Turner.
Thank you so much to our volunteers - Kulkiran, Maxwell Skeely, and T Lou Ease!
Thank you to everyone who came out to support.
THANK YOU SO MUCH TO THE INCREDIBLE TEAM OF FOLKS AT THE RUTH ELLIS CENTER FOR ALL THE WORK YOU DO!!!
Thank you so much to Lee Thomas for this special segment he put together for my 2024 Pride Comedy Gala fundraiser for the Ruth Ellis Center!
Thank you to Heather Jowett Photography for these incredible pictures!
2024 Galentines Comedy Gala
fundraiser for First Step
Photos by Katherine K Cagle Photography
2023 Pride Comedy Gala - Fundraiser for the Ruth Ellis Center
We raised $4,081 for the Ruth Ellis Center. Check out the amazing photos from Kyla Pressiner.
