Toronto East General Hospital Writes The City its Funniest Prescription Yet "Laughter Is The Best Medicine" a Comedy Gala Hosted by Celebrity Will Arnett

Unique fundraiser expected to draw Toronto's who's-who with a lineup of famous comedians on April 12th 

TORONTO, Jan. 31, 2012 /CNW/ - One of North America's leading community and teaching hospitals is ready to tap Toronto's funny bone with its inaugural "Laughter is the Best Medicine" Comedy Gala. Celebrity Will Arnett (Up All Night and Arrested Development) will return to his hometown to raise funds for Toronto East General Hospital (TEGH), offering his dose of laughter as Master of Ceremonies (MC) for the event on Thursday, April 12, 2012 at the Allstream Centre, Toronto.

"Laughter is The Best Medicine" will feature a lineup of recognizable comedians, including Arnett, known for his sardonic wit and hallmark irreverence and dubbed "Honourary Toronto East General Doctor". Others will be announced in the upcoming weeks. The event is expected to draw a crowd of approximately 1500 people, many of Toronto's who's-who and local celebrities, all in for a night of rousing entertainment. 

"We are thrilled to be able to draw such top-caliber talent, with many surprises in store for this unique fundraising event for the hospital," notes Gala Chair, Michael Geddes. "It promises to rock your socks off with laughter." 

"Toronto East General Hospital has been an important part of our family for many years.  I am excited to be coming home to be a part of this special evening," says Will Arnett. 

Arnett shares strong family ties with TEGH. He grew up in one of the Toronto neighborhoods that the hospital serves; and his father, Jim Arnett, served on the Board of the Toronto East General Hospital from 2002 through 2009, with two years as Chairman from 2006 to 2008. 

The comedy gala will honour the Arnett Family, with proceeds from the evening going to support Toronto East General's $211-million-dollar capital redevelopment project that will see the establishment of a new eight-floor patient care centre—a landmark health care facility, that will significantly enhance access to critical inpatient and outpatient services for more than half a million people in the GTA. It's all part of the renovation and expansion planned for TEGH, made possible by the hospital Foundation's private sector capital campaign, which is on target to hit its 60-million-dollar goal in approximately 18 months. 

"We are setting a new bar for fundraisers with this event, and it will help us meet our capital campaign goal so the hospital can serve the increasingly complex health care needs of the fast-growing and most culturally diverse area of Toronto," adds Michael Burns, Chairman of the Board, TEGH Foundation.  "As Canada's leading full-service community teaching hospital known for its centres of excellence in thoracic surgery and progressive weaning, as well as leadership in orthopaedics, mental health, urology, paediatrics and cancer care, Toronto East General Hospital is such a deserving place to reap the benefits of a night of laughter."

Event Details:
"Laughter Is The Best Medicine" Comedy Gala
Date: Thursday, April 12, 2012
Time: 5:30pm Cocktail Reception, 7pm Dinner
Place: Allstream Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto
Dress: Black Tie 

For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, visit http://Foundation.tegh.on.ca/gala/index.php

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About Toronto East General Hospital:
Toronto East General Hospital (TEGH) has been proudly serving the community of East Toronto since 1929, when it opened its doors as a 110-bed general hospital.  Over the years TEGH has continually renewed its commitment to the community it serves.  Today TEGH is a large, urban, full-service community teaching hospital, providing comprehensive care to a diverse population of 400,000, representing over 45 cultural and linguistic groups.  TEGH boasts Centres of Excellence in Thoracic Surgery, Family Medicine Residency Program, and Progressive Ventilation Weaning among its leadership programs.

About the TEGH Capital Redevelopment Campaign:
In recent months, TEGH received final approval for the redevelopment from the Government of Ontario and the City of Toronto.  TEGH is currently in the midst of a $60 million private sector campaign to raise funds for the Hospital's $211-million redevelopment project.  More than $45 million has been raised to-date, through the generosity of donors, including 100 per cent participation in the campaign by TEGH doctors.  Construction of a new eight-storey Patient Care Centre will replace some of the oldest and most dysfunctional clinical spaces and patient rooms.  Some of the highlights of the expansion include: improved infection control, an increase in privacy for patients and families, addressing accessibility requirements, and enabling TEGH to retain and attract the best doctors.

Candice Best
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or 
Justin Van Dette
Manager, Corporate & Community Relations
Toronto East General Hospital Foundation
416.659.3870  |   [email protected]