How We Started

In the summer of 2004, Jim Twomey and Leda Hankins were having a conversation. Jim declared that he created happiness in the world. Leda thought that was weird, but she said she wanted there to be a laughter group where she could laugh with her friends. Jim and Leda chose to create this laughter club. They invited some of their friends to have a planning meeting in August. 11 people showed up at Leda’s home. Some ideas where exchanged and the first meeting of the club was set up for September 13, 2004. Before the August meeting, Jim and Leda thought about who would be the best person to lead the club. They agreed on Jackie Gill. At the end of the August meeting, they asked Jackie. Jackie accepted being the first leader. The first regular meeting of the laughter club was September 13, 2004 at Jim’s home. People told some jokes and funny stories. The group laughed on from there.