The Giggle Box Project

2012-02-15T09:39:00.001-08:00

A SPECIAL VALENTINE'S DAY NEWSLETTER

We are proud to announce the next issue of our newsletter, "The Gigglebox Gazette"

JANUARY 2012 NEWSLETTER

2012-01-20T20:21:00.000-08:00

We are proud to announce the next issue of our newsletter, "The Gigglebox Gazette"

FACEBOOK FUNDRAISING EVENT

2011-12-31T06:04:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends of the GiggleBox Project.

Please join us in this FB Virtual Event! It will only take a moment of your time and will change our world for the better.

The goal is to fully fund Giggleboxes for the upcoming year and in doing so awaken everyone involved to their power to choose the perspective of Joy and Happiness. Each of us is the beginning point. Please help us to offer the amazing potential of this tool in the healing process to 1000 kids this coming year and who knows, with your help, next year to the rest of the world. We are doing well and still need donations to reach our goal. This should be a walk in the park for all you guys!

Donate on line at http://giggleboxes.org/newsletter/Dec2011_Newsletter.html or http://www.giggleboxes.org.

Please open your friends network to Giggleboxes today and let's see if together we can fund Giggleboxes for next year. It will take all of you sharing this event with as many as possible! But we can do it!

Thank you for your support, love, and attention! Hop on the Gigglebus and let's Rock and Roll this crazy and amazing world!

December 2011 Newsletter

2011-12-27T15:05:00.000-08:00

We are proud to announce the next issue of our newsletter, "The Gigglebox Gazette"

ISSUE 2, DECEMBER 2011

2011-11-16T18:22:00.000-08:00

We are proud to announce the first issue of our newsletter, "The Gigglebox Gazette"

INAUGURAL ISSUE - NOVEMBER 2011

Laughter: A Serious Business

2011-09-26T09:16:00.000-07:00

Hi Laughter Lovers,Below is a great article on the Benefits of Laughter reprinted here from The Independent a United Kingdom publication. Here's the link. Click Here for Original Article
Yeah!!!!
We are catching on!
Have a good laugh today!
Love, Susan

Laughter: a serious business
Doctors are discovering that a good dose of humour can help treat conditions from eczema to heart diseaseBy Roger DobsonTuesday, 13 September 2011
Laughter has been shown to have an effect on the heart, lungs, muscles and even the gut
Laughing is a serious business, according to researchers, who say it can help in conditions as diverse as diabetes and eczema, heart disease and asthma. It can boost the immune system and help fight infections, and laughter yoga – clapping and chanting ho ho ha ha ha – can be an effective therapy for depression.

What's more, 15 minutes of laughter can burn up 40 calories, while 10 minutes of belly laughter has a considerable analgesic effect on people with chronic pain. But while moderate amounts of laughter have been shown to be beneficial in more than two dozen conditions, too much can result in health problems, including giggle incontinence and Pilgaard-Dahl syndrome, a respiratory condition named after two Scandinavian comedians.
Laughter is broadly defined as a psycho-physiological response to humour or other stimuli. It involves contractions of the diaphragm, repetitive vocal sounds produced by the resonating chambers of the pharynx, mouth and nasal cavities, the movement of up to 50 facial muscles, mainly around the mouth, and, in some cases, tears.

For researchers, these physical responses are the starting point. According to Dr Ramó* Mora-Ripoll, a specialist on laughter and health, and author of Manual de Medicina y Terapia de la Risa, there are four ways laughter improves health.
It can trigger changes in muscles, and in the immune system and hormone production.
It can also lead to more positive emotions, which improves quality of life.
Third, it can pave the way for better strategies for coping with stress and,
Fourth, it can increase social skills, leading to health-enhancing benefits.

It is the first of these, the direct physiological effects, that have been the focus of much of the research, with attention directed to the effects on the immune system and hormone levels. Laughter can increase levels of natural killer cells, boost levels of natural painkiller, improve anti-inflammatory activity and reduce levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. Some studies have also shown a good laugh increases levels of the "cuddle hormone" oxytocin and melatonin, as well as the brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine, both targets of antidepressant and other medication.
Direct physical effects of laughter have included improved breathing and relaxed muscles. Laughter has been shown to have an effect on the heart, lungs, muscles and even the gut, where it was shown to lead to beneficial bacteria changes. It is also increasingly being used as a therapy, from hospital-based clowns to laughter yoga.
"There is evidence to suggest that laughter has some positive, quantifiable effects on certain aspects of health," says Dr Mora-Ripoll, author of a new review of the health effects of laughter in the medical journal, Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. "It seems appropriate that laughter therapy should take its place as a complementary medicine in the prevention and treatment of illnesses. Add laughter to your working and daily life, remember to laugh regularly, share your laughs, and help others to laugh, too."

The Benefits of Laughter

Pain Laughter increases pain-tolerance and discomfort thresholds. It is thought to work as a distraction, but some studies show it also boosts levels of endorphins, our bodies' natural painkillers.
Heart disease  According to a University of Athens study, laughter reduces arterial stiffness, an indicator of cardiovascular disease risk. It also results in a drop in stress hormone levels. Studies also show that people with a greater propensity to laugh have a lower risk of heart disease and a lower risk of suffering heart attacks. It also lowers the incidence of heart attacks in high-risk patients with diabetes.
Eczema  Watching a funny film can improve bacteria in the gut in people with eczema. Researchers say that alteration of intestinal bacteria is involved in the development of the condition and in a study at Moriguchi-Keijinkai Hospital in Japan, people watched several different comedies and then had their faeces analysed before and after each viewing. Interestingly, the results showed that laughing changed the bacterial make-up only in the eczema patients.
Depression Laughter yoga is as good as a conventional exercise routine for depressed older women, according to a study at Allameh Tabatabai University, Tehran. Laughter Yoga is a combination of unconditioned laughter and yogic breathing.The laughing doesn't rely on humour, jokes or comedy, and is simulated as a group body exercise. The theory is that both fake and real laughter have the same effect on the body.
Rheumatoid arthritis

Allergy Laughter reduces skin reactions to allergens in tests. It also lowers levels of antibodies and improves sleep.
Diabetes type 2  Laughter may have a beneficial effect on blood glucose levels. It also leads to a reduced amount of inflammatory compounds and increased levels of good cholesterol in high-risk diabetic patients, according to a report in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine.
Bronchitis  The effect of a hospital clown reduced hyperinflation in severe and very severe patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Weight loss Laughter causes a 10 to 20 per cent increase in energy use, according to a study.

Smile yourself better
Laughter costs nothing, and while research is still under way about its precise effects on our health, what's certain is that it makes us feel better.
Seek out opportunities for laughter. Put on a funny DVD. Or spend time with people who make you laugh. Or visit a comedy club.
Laughter is infectious, so you're more likely to laugh, and will laugh longer, if you're with others. So throw a comedy movie night or join your friends for a karaoke session.
Learn to laugh at yourself. Telling embarrassing stories about yourself will make you laugh, and help you take yourself less seriously.

Our Trip to Joplin

2011-06-24T15:41:00.000-07:00

We are back from a terrific day in Joplin. The event for the kids at The Boys and Girls Club was fantastic! About 150 kids took home stuffed animals, clown noses, books, blankets and sunflower seeds to plant, as well has having an awesome time on the Gamin' Ride trailer, learning to Juggle with Garland and playing with Cindy the Clown and her clown dog Sidney!

A huge thanks to Little Hands, Big Helpers, Ted E. Bears, Elephants Remember Joplin, Gamin' Ride, Joplin Police, EMTs and the Fire Dept , The Friends of the Library in Springfield and Precious Moments for being there and donating! Simply Incredible!

After the B&G's club we went to Misti's Mission(FB page), and dropped off some well needed stuff and then on to Mt. Hope Church, who is housing and feeding volunteers on blow up mattresses in their classrooms, and Sanctuary, also operating a free store and cafeteria in Webb City. From there we drove to Carthage and dropped off the balance of our Sunflower Seeds, donated by SO MO Ag. to the U of M extension office for the Joplin Master Gardeners!

Sure hope I didn't forget anyone! Like I said, It was an AWESOME Day!

"Giggles" the bus did great on the whole trip (fly like a butterfly, sting like a bee), until I was 2 blocks from home when she overheated and, I think she blew something. I hope only a hose. We made it home! Yeah Giggles! I'll check it out tomorrow, not tonight!

2011-06-18T05:56:00.000-07:00

Giggle Bus Returns to Joplin!

You can help by distributing the flyer above!!
Click HERE for a printable copy!

Where to Donate

Ted E. Bears Toy Factory at 2752 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield
The GiggleBox Office at 701 S. Kentwood, Springfield
Christ Church Unity at 2214 E. Seminole, Springfield

If you would like to make a monetary donation, through our partners at the Community Foundations of the Ozarks, we welcome your support - -

Thanks and keep Laughing and Loving!

The Giggle Box Team

Urgent::Volunteers Needed in the Giggle Box Office!!

2011-06-15T10:28:00.000-07:00

Starting Monday, June 20th Giggleboxes is in need of volunteers with some computer savvy and organization skills!

The work isn't hard we just don't have enough hands to get it all done! If you are available for a couple hours some time soon, please email us and we will be glad to put you to work!

Thanks so much for your help!

A special thanks to all who helped out at Kid's Fest today!

2011-06-12T07:06:00.000-07:00

It was an incredibly beautiful and wonderful day.

Thanks to Wickman's Nursery, Home Depot, and SO MO Ag for their donations of plants and sunflower seeds.

Lots of Smiles and Happy faces, everywhere! We love you all!

The mother of one of our volunteers even won the 32" flat screen TV. It pays to volunteer for Giggleboxes! WAHOO!

Thanks and keep Laughing and Loving!
The Giggle Box Team

2011-05-23T17:57:00.000-07:00

Bringing Joy Back to Joplin!

We are accepting donations of toys and fun stuff for kids to do during this recovery period. Lighten the mood and help get things back to normal as quickly as possible. Please contact any businesses you can and ask for toys, game, puzzles, books, crayons, etc. New and gently used toys and clothes will be accepted. And please share this on your facebook pages.

Giggles, the Giggle Bus, will be headed to Joplin on Friday to pass out the goodies and help spread some well needed JOY!

Donations can be dropped off at The Giggle Box Office, 701 S. Kentwood Ave., Springfield MO, from 8 AM to 7 pm every day through Thursday, May 26^th.

Thanks and keep Laughing and Loving!

The Giggle Box Team

The Giggle Box Project Heads For The Water!

2011-05-10T10:05:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends of The Giggle Box Project,
Here is an update on our latest escapades!

Chucklefest was a Blast! Laughter was heard throughout the land! We raised almost $600 and consider that a huge success for our first fundraiser.
A special thanks goes out to the Skinny Improv Theater for the use of their space and the awesome show they provided.

We also want to thank the rest of our terrific entertainers:

Jecobie Roberts, Comedic Hypnotist, delivered an excellent show and kept us all in stitches! Check out her web site and show each week in Branson, Mo. I now know what it feels like to be hypnotized and would recommend it highly! Lot's of fun!
Tyler Snodgrass was very funny doing stand-up and can be seen regularly with the Skinny crew.
The Gypsy Breeze brand rocked us to some old and new favorites, like their original tune, "Portable Boat", Thanks!
And W.E.A.K. Entertainment, Two Clowns with One Purpose, delighted the kids of all ages with their amazing magic. Sweet and Silly! Loved it!

Our next event will take place May 28th, 10-2pm, Finley River Park in Ozark, Mo.

Water Hikers of Nixa is hosting a Kayak Demo Day along with the Ozark Community Center and The Giggle Box Project.

There will be recreational kayaks to play with and test drive on the water. Donations are being accepted for each test drive with the proceeds benefiting The Giggle Box Project to help bring kids with cancer and other painful diseases little boxes of smiles in the hospital.

Giggles the bus will be there also to delight and amaze everyone! There will be a bounce house, the "I Can" project will be going on and we may have a surprise visit from Sunshine and Chopper the Clowns as well as other fun stuff!

Please pass the word and come play in the creek for kids with cancer. Thanks and see you there! Susan

Spring into Laughter and Joy at our Upcoming Events

2011-04-06T08:40:00.000-07:00

Hello Fellow Gigglers,

I have some fun news to report! It's Spring!!!

Yes it is and it's Wonderful, but that's not all.

The Giggle Box Project has 2 new events planned.

May 1st

2 - 4 PM (tentative)

In honor of World Laughter Day, the Skinny Improv Theater will be hosting Chucklefest as a fundraiser for The Giggle Box Project. This show will be 3 crazy hours of fun and laughter for the whole family.

Skinny Improv will hilariously put themselves to the test

Jecobie Roberts, a stage hypnotist will be inviting volunteers to experience the fun of being hypnotized,
Gypsy Breeze will enlighten us with their great upbeat reggae type music,
Chopper the Clown & Sonshine D Clown will be amazing us with their magic
Tyler Snodgrass will keep us in stitches with his special take on the world.

There will also be a silent auction including some great stuff, like a golf day for two, tickets to local events, and some awesome food. We are still accepting donations of auction items and seating is limited.

Tickets can be purchased through Skinny Improv on line,or you can contact us directly at GiggleBoxes or 417-368-3259. So get your tickets soon and become one of the exclusive few who get to be part of the first annual Chuklefest and support life, love and laughter through The Giggle Box Project.

June 11 (rescheduled from April 23rd due to weather)

10 AM - 2 PM

We have been invited to join with 30 other non-profits assisting kids locally at Kid's Fest. Kid's Fest is an annual free event to celebrate kids. There will be food and games and lots of fun stuff to do downtown at Jordon Valley Park. Giggles the bus will be there with Chopper the Clown and Sonshine D.Clown creating balloon animals and what not, face painters, as well as our special booth in honor of Earth Day where the kids will be able to plant donated flowers from Home Depot in recycled tin cans and then create their very own label out of newsprint donated from the Springfield Newsleader. We are very excited! Please come and join in the fun.

Thanks so much. See you there!

Keep Laughing and Loving,

Susan

New Laughter Web Site

2011-02-16T15:15:00.000-08:00

Hello Fellow Gigglers,

We have just discovered an awesome new laughter web site. You can enter the laughter room and laugh with people from all over the world at the same time. There is a map that even shows you where they are laughing. There are laugh tracks available to get you going and other great options to choose from.

So go have a laugh and I would suggest making it a regular practice.
http://www.doasone.com

Keep Laughing and Loving,
The Giggle Box Team

Check Out The New Site!

2011-02-15T09:46:00.000-08:00

Today is the beginning of the project after the Pepsi Refresh Race. We have now completed our website remodel and are starting the process of applying for grants! How exciting! We have found several grant options that could really benefit the launch of this project.

The Goal: To Help Hospitalized Kids Keep Laughing!

Please feel free to explore the NEW site and watch the videos in the "Science of Laughter" page; they explain how laughter enhances our existence!

2011-02-10T14:35:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends of The Giggle Box Project,

I can't thank you enough for all your support and efforts on behalf of our project. We have run a great race and it has come to a close. The Pepsi Challenge concluded Jan. 31st. There is no rollover. If we decide to go for it again later this year, we will let you know and hope your voting support will continue.

We are happy and contented at the progress we have made toward GiggleBoxes becoming a household word. That is the Vision after all! A Giggle Box in the hands of everyone who has a need for an instantaneous way to change their perspective.

If you would like to be added to our "Daily Dose" of funny videos and jokes email, please email us at info@giggleboxes.org

Laughter is the best medicine and offers the quickest relief!

I hope you got to watch the videos on the 26th and the 27th. I will include the You Tube addresses here and recommend them highly.

This has been a wonderful journey and I am so appreciative of having been on it. We at Giggleboxes have grown so much! Go see our NEW web site. It's all coming together!

A little bit of work to do. Getting ready for my appointment with a SCORE adviser and researching the foundations the Library Funding Expert recommended yesterday, but mostly I will be spending my weekend appreciating you, relaxing after a job well done, and a race well run.

Thank you so much, (you bring happy tears to my eyes)

Love, Hugs and Laughter, Have Fun, Be Good and Drive Safe!

The Giggle Box Project

A SPECIAL VALENTINE'S DAY NEWSLETTER

We are proud to announce the next issue of our newsletter, "The Gigglebox Gazette"

SPECIAL ISSUE, FEBRUARY 2012

JANUARY 2012 NEWSLETTER

We are proud to announce the next issue of our newsletter, "The Gigglebox Gazette"

ISSUE 3, JANUARY 2012

FACEBOOK FUNDRAISING EVENT

December 2011 Newsletter

We are proud to announce the next issue of our newsletter, "The Gigglebox Gazette"

We are proud to announce the first issue of our newsletter, "The Gigglebox Gazette"

Laughter: A Serious Business

Our Trip to Joplin

Giggle Bus Returns to Joplin!

Where to Donate

Thanks and keep Laughing and Loving!

The Giggle Box Team

Urgent::Volunteers Needed in the Giggle Box Office!!

Thanks so much for your help!

A special thanks to all who helped out at Kid's Fest today!

Thanks and keep Laughing and Loving!
The Giggle Box Team

Bringing Joy Back to Joplin!

Thanks and keep Laughing and Loving!

The Giggle Box Team

The Giggle Box Project Heads For The Water!

Spring into Laughter and Joy at our Upcoming Events

Susan

New Laughter Web Site

Check Out The New Site!

Dear Friends of The Giggle Box Project,

Laughter is the best medicine and offers the quickest relief!

Susan Dempsey and The GiggleBoxTeam

WE LOVE YOU!

The Giggle Box Project

A SPECIAL VALENTINE'S DAY NEWSLETTER

We are proud to announce the next issue of our newsletter, "The Gigglebox Gazette"

SPECIAL ISSUE, FEBRUARY 2012

JANUARY 2012 NEWSLETTER

We are proud to announce the next issue of our newsletter, "The Gigglebox Gazette"

ISSUE 3, JANUARY 2012

FACEBOOK FUNDRAISING EVENT

December 2011 Newsletter

We are proud to announce the next issue of our newsletter, "The Gigglebox Gazette"

We are proud to announce the first issue of our newsletter, "The Gigglebox Gazette"

Laughter: A Serious Business

Our Trip to Joplin

Giggle Bus Returns to Joplin!

Where to Donate

Thanks and keep Laughing and Loving!

The Giggle Box Team

Urgent::Volunteers Needed in the Giggle Box Office!!

Thanks so much for your help!

A special thanks to all who helped out at Kid's Fest today!

Thanks and keep Laughing and Loving!The Giggle Box Team

Bringing Joy Back to Joplin!

Thanks and keep Laughing and Loving!

The Giggle Box Team

The Giggle Box Project Heads For The Water!

Spring into Laughter and Joy at our Upcoming Events

Susan

New Laughter Web Site

Check Out The New Site!

Dear Friends of The Giggle Box Project,

Laughter is the best medicine and offers the quickest relief!

Susan Dempsey and The GiggleBoxTeam

WE LOVE YOU!

Thanks and keep Laughing and Loving!
The Giggle Box Team