The inaugural LAME Comedy Fest recently raised $1,646 for the Dempsey Center. The first night’s lineup included (l. to r.) Mark Turcotte, George Hamm, Josh Day, Phoebe Angle, Dee Turcotte, Mark Reilly, Brian Brinegar and Johnny Ater.

A pair of sold out shows at the inaugural LAME Comedy Fest on September 27 and 28 brought in $1,646 for the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing.

Event organizer Mark Turcotte hosted some of New England’s best comedians, including George Hamm, Johnny Ater, Phoebe Angle, Mark Reilly, Josh Day, Brian Brinegar and Dee Turcotte in the first show. The festival concluded the following evening with performances by Nick Lavallee, Kyron Hobdy, Brett Groh, Troy Pennell, Ryan Waning, Ian Stuart, Matt Kona and Will Green.

“It was an awesome weekend,” said Turcotte. “We have some very funny people in the local comedy scene and I was thrilled to see such an outpouring of support for this event and the Dempsey Center. I’m already planning for next year.”

Located in Lewiston and founded by actor and Maine native Patrick Dempsey in response to his mother’s multiple bouts with ovarian cancer, the Dempsey Center provides free support, education and integrative medicine services to anyone impacted by cancer.

Turcotte’s next comedy fundraiser, Comedy Fix VIII, is scheduled for Friday, October 25 at the Auburn Fireside Inn. The lineup includes Maine comedy icon Randy Judkins, along with Dennis Fogg, Tammy Pooler, Adam Hatch, Gwen Tuttle and Luke Es. All net proceeds will benefit the Dempsey Center. Tickets are $10 for the 21+ show and may be reserved at www.comedyfixlive.com.