The new goal of TCU’s improvisational troupe, Senseless Acts of Comedy, is no laughing matter.The six-member troupe hosting “Improv for the Cure” is making its way through residence halls Wednesday nights for the remainder of the semester to raise money for breast cancer research.

“If we haven’t been there yet, we will be soon,” sophomore advertising/public relations major Michael Flusche said of their tour.

Flusche, a member of the troupe, was inspired to organize the efforts after his girlfriend’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer over the summer.

“It moves you to do something,” Flusche said. “I just feel like this is something I have to do.”

He said he wanted to use the influence the troupe has to make a difference.

“SAC does have some power in the community,” Flusche said.

He said their goal is to raise $400 by the end of the semester.

Senior radio-TV-film major Austin Hines said the group wanted a goal that would be difficult, though realistic, for them to achieve.

After three shows, Flusche said the troupe has raised about $125 for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

According to www.komen.org, women are at a one-in-seven risk of developing breast cancer during their lifetime.

Flusche said the other troupe members were eager to help when he presented the idea to them early in the semester.

“I hope we make enough money to impact someone’s life,” said troupe member and senior radio-TV-film major Justin Kirchhoff.

Troupe members said the audience is presented with facts about breast cancer to raise awareness as a part of the show.

The hesitations the group shared before it began the tour have been relieved, Flusche said.

Flusche said the troupe was concerned about the reception they would have in all-male dorms. He said he was pleasantly surprised when they received the highest number of donations after a performance in Clark Hall.

Kirchhoff said the shows are equally as important for males to attend to raise their awareness of the disease.

“What we’re trying to make aware to guys is that breast cancer can happen to them too,” Kirchhoff said. “It’s very rare, but it can happen.”

Freshman premajor Steve Rupp says the shows have been a success.

“People have been very supportive so far,” Rupp said. “They are actually listening to ideas and facts about breast cancer and giving.”

The troupe said the facts given through the shows have helped educate them about the disease as well.

“Once you know someone close to you that has (cancer), it opens your eyes,” Flusche said.

Rupp said the troupe will likely decide on a new cause to support next semester.