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Laughter is the Best Medicine

The bar for charity galas was raised in Toronto on April 12th as Toronto East General Hospital (TEGH)—one of North America's leading community teaching hospitals—tapped Toronto's funny bone for its first annual "Laughter is the Best Medicine" Comedy Gala, raising three million dollars. Emmy and Golden Globe award winner Jerry Seinfeld headlined the event, with Celebrity Will Arnett (Up All Night and Arrested Development) as Master of Ceremonies (MC), offering over 1500 guests a heavy dose of laughter at the Allstream Centre. Arnett opened the evening with his sardonic wit. It was then the Just-For-Laughs-circuit regular, Derek Edwards, who had the crowd in stitches. Jerry Seinfeld closed out the evening, delivering his hallmark humour to rock the house with laughter for a full hour. Among the veritable who's-who of guests at the black-tie event was Amy Poehler, Will Arnett's wife, there as the Arnett family was honoured for their long-term support of the hospital. A surprise announcement of a one-million-dollar donation from the Jain Family was a big highlight of the event. Dignitaries and numerous notable guests were in attendance including: the Honourable Julian Fantino, Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair, Councillor Doug Ford, Peter and Diana Thomson, James and Alexandra Arnett, the Kimsa family, the Jackman family, singer Matt Dusk, sports celebrites Brad Boyes, Adam Lind and Eric Lindros.
The live auction was a big hit and included items such as a trip to London for the 2012 Olympic Games, a "Comedy Experience Trip for four to New York" and Arnett did his signature "Gob" chicken dance to much applause, raising the final bid. One lucky dinner guest won a BMW 328i Sedan, generously donated by BMW Canada for an end-of-night draw. Event sponsors included: Presenting sponsor, BMO Financial Group; and Gold sponsors, TD Bank, Telus and BMW. Visit tegh.on.ca for more information on the Toronto East General Hospital or www.foundation.tegh.on.ca for more information about the event. You can also Follow @EastGeneral on Twitter

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