Kevin Hearn to Perform at Fundraiser for Bloorview Kids Rehab

Toronto, ON, October 7, 2009

On October 21, attendees at a fundraiser for Bloorview Kids Rehab will be treated to a live performance by Kevin Hearn, critically-acclaimed multi-instrumentalist and keyboard player for pop sensations the Barenaked Ladies. Hearn will be performing at a pre-show reception for VIP ticket-holders and parents of Bloorview inpatient kids at the Laughs for Possibility comedy showcase. Following the reception, several of Canada’s top stand-up comics will take the stage to help Bloorview reach their vision of “a world of possibility for kids with disability.”

This is the second Laughs for Possibility event, presented by Tim Hortons in Sussex, NB (franchisees Jim and Chris Andrew sponsor the show despite the 1,500 km between the show and their stores, in support of their grandson Eric), and now also sponsored by Motion Specialties. Laughs for Possibility 2 will feature Canadian comedy stars including Bobby Mair, Gilson Lubin, Kate Davis, Jean Paul, Alan Park, Terry McGurrin and Simon Rakoff.The show was founded by local amateur comic, Lloyd Ravn, after his son Eric (now 4) received therapy at Bloorview to help recover from 3 major strokes that he suffered between July 2008 and May 2009.

The addition of a pre-show reception with live music for Laughs for Possibility 2 was inspired by the show orgaizer’s time with his son during music therapy sessions at Bloorview. “The comedy show grew out of my desire to let parents of kids who are inpatients at Bloorview have a few much needed laughs,” said Ravn. “And when I saw how much the kids enjoy the musical part of their therapy program, I decided to add a musical element to the event so parents could experience their own form of music therapy.”

When Ravn put together a wish list of musicians to perform at the event, Hearn’s name was at the top. “Kevin is a brilliant musician, plus he understands what it’s like to be tied to a hospital, after beating Leukemia several years ago.” Hearn is no stranger to the Canadian comedy scene either, having performed with Corky and the Juice Pigs in the 1990s, as well as with his cousin, comedian Harland Williams. “Kevin is the perfect musician for this event,” said Ravn. “I can’t wait for the Bloorview parents and everyone else at the pre-show reception to have a chance to experience music therapy, Kevin Hearn style.”

For more on Kevin Hearn, visit http://www.kevinhearn.com

Event details

Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2009>br>
Time: VIP Reception at 7:00 PM, general admission at 7:30 PM, Show at 8:30 PM

Location: Crowne Plaza Toronto Don Valley Hotel, 1250 Eglinton Ave E, Toronto, Ontario

Tickets cost: $95 for VIP admission (includes pre-show reception); $50 for general admission

Available at http://www.laughsforpossibility.com

Bloorview Kids Foundation

Bloorview Kids Foundation develops relationships and raises funds from the community for Bloorview Kids Rehab. Bloorview is the gold-standard in care, research, and education for kids with disabilities and their families. As Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation and complex continuing care teaching hospital, it is an international leader in childhood disability. Bloorview pioneers treatments, technologies, therapies and real-world programs that give children with disabilities the tools to participate fully in life.

Regardless of their disability, kids just want to be kids. Community and private investment is critical to enabling kids with disabilities to live their lives, just like any other kid.

For further information:

Lloyd Ravn, Event Organizer

Tel: 647-929-8916 or lloydravn@hotmail.com

Nicole Watson, Marketing and Communications Manager, Bloorview Kids Foundation

Tel: 416-424-3850 or nwatson@bloorview.ca