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OAKVILLE BEAVER Saturday, March 21, 2009 · 4 Fundraiser on April 3 in memory of Oakville teen By Stephanie Hounsell METROLAND MEDIA WEST GROUP Austin Brasil loved to laugh and spent much of his time doing just that -- despite living with circumstances that were anything but funny. The Oakville teen and St. Ignatius of Loyola student was on the improv team with Milton Youth Theatre Productions (MYTP) and hoped to attend a comedy program offered by a nearby college. "He was always concerned with making people happy and always had a joke to tell," said MYTP's Kim Jesch-Belvedere. "All he wanted to be is a comedian when he grew up." An inoperable brain tumour prevented Austin from reaching his goal of becoming a comedian. He passed away in September at the age of 17. But before he died, the boy with the big heart started Team Brother Bear to raise money for brain tumour research and support kids and their families going through similar situations. "When he was sick, he was always more concerned about everyone else," Jesch-Belvedere said. When the idea arose to hold a fundraiser to sup- bankruptcy liquidation port Team Brother Bear in memory of Austin, a comedy night seemed perfect. "Austin would've been thrilled," JeschBelvedere said. Austin's Comedy Cabaret, an evening of laughter and song, will take place Friday, April 3 at 8 p.m. at The Great Hall, 84 South Service Rd., in Mississauga (near Hwy. 10 and QEW). It'll feature the Canadian Improv Showcase and performances by a line-up of comedians including Craig Fay, recipient of the Brian Linehan Comedy Award and a graduate of the college program Austin wanted to take. MYTP students will also entertain. Rounding out the event will be hors d'oeuvres, door prizes, raffles and a 50/50 draw. Tickets cost $25 each. The event and the foundation it's benefiting are two important ways to continue Austin's vision. "He was very special. We always called him an old soul in a young body," Jesch-Belvedere said. For tickets or more information, or to donate Austin Brasil money or prize items, contact Kim Jesch-Belvedere at 905-875-7674 or mytpinfo@gmail.com or Kimberley Brasil at 416-899-2756 port is by purchasing a Team or kimberleybrasil@teambrother- Brother Bear bracelet or T-shirt bear.ca. from A Country Mile, 276 Main St. Another way to lend your sup- E. in Milton. at Otello's Banquet & Conference Centre, 2273 Royal Windsor, Oakville Mar. 21st & 2 11am-6pm OTELLO'S BANQUET 2 DAYS ONLY d 2n Largest selection in North America Hundreds of styles, colours and sizes for all tastes and budgets. 100% top quality hand knotted rugs. o of %2ndfne 80 the nd get a FREE prices lower than bankruptcy CLIP THIS AD AND RECEIVE $5 DISCOUNT AT THE DOOR