Media Advisory - Stand-up comedian Jim Gaffigan to headline Michael Garron Hospital's Comedy Gala, Laughter is the Best Medicine III, on May 13, 2017

Will Arnett returns to emcee the event

TORONTO, Jan. 25, 2017 /CNW/ - One of North America's leading community teaching hospitals - Michael Garron Hospital (MGH), formerly Toronto East General Hospital - is once again writing the city its funniest prescription with their third comedy gala, Laughter is the Best Medicine III, presented by BMO Financial Group, on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at the Allstream Centre, Exhibition Place.

Carrying on their tradition of delivering unparalleled entertainment by showcasing the best comedy the world has to offer, Laughter is the Best Medicine III announces stand up headliner Jim Gaffigan. One of only ten comics in history to sell out the famed Madison Square Garden, Gaffigan, Emmy and Grammy nominee and best-selling author, is the star of three acclaimed Netflix comedy specials, was recently announced as part of the cast of FX's Fargo, and is the star of TV Land's The Jim Gaffigan Show. He has also made numerous late night network talk show appearances.

Toronto's own comedy superstar, Will Arnett (Lego Batman; Flaked; Arrested Development; The Millers) returns as the Master of Ceremonies, following his side-splitting performances hosting the previous Laughter is the Best Medicine galas, with headliners Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock.

Gaffigan and Arnett will be joined by a yet-to-be-announced special guest opening act.

With the gala more than half sold-out in presale, more than 1,400 of Toronto's top corporate and philanthropic leaders will be in stitches at the highly anticipated event, offering the rare opportunity to see comedic icons in an intimate setting. MGH gratefully welcomes back BMO Financial Group as Presenting Sponsor of the comedy gala for the third time.

Proceeds will support the hospital's monumental renewal and expansion and ensure the highest level of care for the east Toronto community.

EVENT DETAILS

What:	Laughter is the Best Medicine III:  Comedy Gala, in support of Michael Garron Hospital Foundation, with Emmy and Grammy nominated comedian, New York Times best-selling author and top touring performer, Jim Gaffigan and Canadian comedy icon Will Arnett as Master of Ceremonies
Who:	Comedic celebrities including Jim Gaffigan and Will Arnett, along with other celebrities and dignitaries, including Honorary Patrons, Myron & Berna Garron, and Honorary Chairs Peter & Diana Thomson
When:	Saturday, May 13, 2017
Where:	Allstream Centre, 105 Princes' Blvd, Toronto (Automotive Building, Exhibition Place)
Why:	To raise funds for Michael Garron Hospital Foundation

"We are thrilled to be able to draw such top-calibre comedic talent again this year. Our guests are in for a first class evening of top-notch comedy at one of Toronto's most sensational fundraising events in Laughter is the Best Medicine III," said Gala Co-Chair, Michael Geddes. "Our third installment of the star-packed gala will surely be an evening not to miss."

Visit www.laughteristhebestmedicine.ca for more details about the event.

Find Michael Garron Hospital Foundation on social media
facebook.com/MichaelGarronHospitalFoundation
instagram.com/mghfoundation
twitter.com/MGHFoundation

About Michael Garron Hospital
One year ago, the Garron family invested an unprecedented $50 million gift to transform healthcare in east Toronto. Toronto East General Hospital is now known as Michael Garron Hospital, part of the Toronto East Health Network. Serving a diverse, multi-cultural community for over 88 years, MGH continues its tradition of providing high quality, patient-centred care.

SOURCE Michael Garron Hospital Foundation

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Shannon Moon, VP, Events, Annual & Operations, Michael Garron Hospital Foundation, [email protected]; Cara McCutcheon, McCutcheon Communications, 416-557-2139, [email protected]