Louise Kinross, who is responsible for Bloorview Kids Rehab's "Bloom", both in printed magazine format and on the Blogosphere, asked me to submit an article about the importance of laughter in difficult times. So, I did. Want to see it? Of course you do!
Click here to see my guest blog entry, "Laughter is a 'spark of light'"
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Guest Blog on Bloorview's Bloom
With a name like that...
Taken at the Toronto Zoo, Spring 2009.
I would expect "Danger Ice" to be unsafe. Do they really need to post a sign about it?
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
SHOW TONIGHT: Kevin Hearn of Barenaked Ladies Joining Canadian Comedy Superstars for 2nd “Laughs for Possibility” Fundraiser in support of Bloorview
SHOW TONIGHT: Kevin Hearn of Barenaked Ladies Joining Canadian Comedy Superstars for 2nd “Laughs for Possibility” Fundraiser in support of Bloorview Kids Foundation.
Tickets still available for this side splitting show!
TORONTO, October 21st, 2009 – Several of Canada’s funniest people will be taking the mic on October 21st at the Crowne Plaza Toronto Don Valley Hotel, for the Laughs for Possibility Comedy Showcase to raise funds for Bloorview Kids Rehab, Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation hospital for kids with disabilities. This year’s event also includes a special live musical performance by Kevin Hearn of The Barenaked Ladies.
The event was founded by local amateur comic, Lloyd Ravn, whose 4-year-old son suffered three major strokes in just under a year and has benefitted from the programs and services at Bloorview. One of the headline performers from the first show in January 2009, Darren Frost, also knows the importance of a place like Bloorview. His son has cerebral palsy and goes to Bloorview for ongoing therapy. Frost joined Ravn in organizing the Laughs for Possibility event and together they have organized a side splitting line-up including:
• Bobby Mair (nominated for “Best Newcomer” at 2009 Canadian Comedy Awards)
• Gilson Lubin (MTV, Russell Simmons Def Comedy Jam)
• Kate Davis (nominated as “Best Female Stand-up” at 2009 Canadian Comedy Awards)
• Jean Paul (Comedy Now, Halifax Comedy Fest)
• Alan Park (Royal Canadian Air Farce)
• Terry McGurrin (Comedy Inc)
• Simon Rakoff, who will be the emcee for the evening (Just for Laughs, Winnipeg Comedy Festival, Halifax Comedy Festival)
Attendees can purchase general admission tickets for the comedy show only, or VIP tickets which also include entry to a pre-show reception with food and drinks. The show is sponsored by Tim Hortons in Sussex, NB (franchisees Jim and Christine Andrew sponsor the show despite the 1,500 km between the show and their stores, in support of their grandson, Eric Ravn) and Motion Specialties. Funds raised will go towards Bloorview’s Therapeutic Clown Program, Nursery School program and the Emergency Family Fund.
Event details
Date: Wednesday, October 21st, 2009
Time: Doors open and silent acution begins at 7:30 PM, Show at 8:30 PM
Location: Crowne Plaza Toronto Don Valley Hotel, 1250 Eglinton Ave E, Toronto, Ontario
Tickets cost: $50, Available at 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
Thursday, October 15, 2009
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
Press Release: Air Farce Veteran Alan Park Joins Stand-up Fundraiser for Bloorview Kids Rehab
Air Farce Veteran Alan Park Joins Stand-up Fundraiser for Bloorview Kids Rehab
Toronto, ON, October 7, 2009
Several of Canada’s funniest people, including Alan Park, popular cast member from CBC’s Air Farce LIVE, will be taking the mic on October 21st, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza Toronto Don Valley Hotel, for the Laughs for Possibility Comedy Showcase to raise funds for Bloorview Kids Rehab, Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation hospital for kids with disabilities.
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), following the inaugural show in January 2009 which featured some of Canada’s top comedians. Laughs for Possibility 2 will bring out another crop of Canadian comedy superstars including Park, who is well-known for walking “the precarious edge between the profane and the ridiculous”.
Other comics announced so far have been Bobby Mair (2009 Stand-up Newcomer nominee at Canadian Comedy Awards), Gilson Lubin (MTV, HBO Russell Simmons Def Comedy Jam), Kate Davis (Comedy Now, 2009 Best Female Stand-up nomimee at Canadian Comedy Awards), Jean Paul (Halifax Comedy Fest, Comedy Now), emcee Simon Rakoff (Just for Laughs, Winnipeg Comedy Fest) with more to be announced.
Laughs for Possibility was founded by local amateur comic, Lloyd Ravn, after his son Eric (now 4) suffered a major stroke in July 2008 and was admitted to Bloorview Kids Rehab’s inpatient unit, under the care of the Brain Injury Rehab Team (BIRT). After a strong recovery and subsequent discharge, Eric was re-admitted to Bloorview after two more strokes in May 2009, which led to another lengthy stay at Bloorview.
The addition of Alan Park to the line-up of comedy stars working to support Bloorview’s vision of “a world of possibility for kids with disability” has the show’s organizer excited. “Air Farce is a Canadian comedy legend, and to have a cast member supporting Laughs for Possibility is a real thrill,” says Ravn. “The Bloorview staff, families and community members in the audience are in for a real treat on October 21.”
For more on Alan Park, visit www.diamondfield.com/alanpark.php
Event details
Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
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 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
Press Release: Comedy Inc Star Terry McGurrin Joins Laughs for Possibility Fundraiser for Bloorview Kids Foundation
Comedy Inc Star Terry McGurrin Joins Laughs for Possibility Fundraiser for Bloorview Kids Foundation
Toronto, ON, October 2, 2009
Several of Canada’s funniest people, including Terry McGurrin, from CTV’s Comedy Inc, will be taking the mic on October 21st, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza Toronto Don Valley Hotel, for the Laughs for Possibility Comedy Showcase to raise funds for Bloorview Kids Rehab, Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation hospital for kids with disabilities.
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), following the inaugural show in January 2009 which featured some of Canada’s top comedians. Laughs for Possibility 2 will bring out another crop of Canadian comedy superstars including McGurrin, who is the only performer to have been nominated for Canadian Comedy Awards in three separate categories.
Other comics announced so far have been Bobby Mair (2009 Stand-up Newcomer nominee at Canadian Comedy Awards), Gilson Lubin (MTV, HBO Russell Simmons Def Comedy Jam), Kate Davis (Comedy Now, 2009 Best Female Stand-up nomimee at Canadian Comedy Awards), Jean Paul (Halifax Comedy Fest, Comedy Now), and emcee Simon Rakoff (Just for Laughs, Winnipeg Comedy Fest) with more to come.
Laughs for Possibility was founded by local amateur comic Lloyd Ravn, after his son Eric (now 4) suffered a major stroke in July 2008 and was admitted to Bloorview Kids Rehab’s inpatient unit, under the care of the Brain Injury Rehab Team (BIRT). After a strong recovery and subsequent discharge, Eric was re-admitted to Bloorview after two more strokes in May 2009, and he is still at Bloorview today.
Terry McGurrin, who has performed all over the world, from Massey Hall in Toronto to the desserts of the Middle East, is seen weekly on CTV and the Comedy Network as a co-star on the popular sketch show Comedy Inc. and was the first comedian to tape three separate Comedy Now specials. “Having Terry on the Laughs for Possibility show is very exciting,” said Ravn. “We will have a few Bloorview inpatient parents at the show, courtesy of people from across Canada who donate ticket on our website, and those parents will be in for a lot of well-deserved laughs when Terry takes the mic.”
For more on Terry McGurrin, visit www.diamondfield.com/terrymcgurrin.php
Event details
Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
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 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
Press Release: Comedy Veteran Simon Rakoff to Emcee Fundraiser for Canada’s Largest Children’s Rehab Hospital
Comedy Veteran Simon Rakoff to Emcee Fundraiser for Canada’s Largest Children’s Rehab Hospital
Toronto, ON, September 30, 2009
Several of Canada’s funniest people, including Simon Rakoff, widely known as one of Canada’s top comedy emcees, will be taking the mic on October 21st, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza Toronto Don Valley Hotel, for the Laughs for Possibility Comedy Showcase to raise funds for Bloorview Kids Rehab, Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation hospital for kids with disabilities.
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), following the inaugural show in January 2009 which featured some of Canada’s top comedians. Laughs for Possibility 2 will bring out another crop of Canadian comedy superstars including Rakoff, who has been performing stand-up since 1978 and has numerous television credits, including Just for Laughs and the Winnipeg Comedy Fest. Other comics announced so far have been Bobby Mair (2009 Stand-up Newcomer nominee at Canadian Comedy Awards), Gilson Lubin (MTV, HBO Russell Simmons Def Comedy Jam), Kate Davis (Comedy Now, 2009 Best Female Stand-up nomimee at Canadian Comedy Awards), Jean Paul (Halifax Comedy Fest, Comedy Now) with more to be announced.
Laughs for Possibility was founded by local amateur comic, Lloyd Ravn, after his son Eric (now 4) suffered a major stroke in July 2008 and was admitted to Bloorview Kids Rehab’s inpatient unit, under the care of the Brain Injury Rehab Team (BIRT). After a strong recovery and subsequent discharge, Eric was re-admitted to Bloorview after two more strokes in May 2009, and he is still at Bloorview today.
When looking for an emcee for the event, Ravn says Rakoff was an easy choice. “Simon is not only one of the funniest comics you’ll see anywhere, but he makes hosting a show, which is a tough job, look effortless.” There will be parents of Bloorview inpatient kids coming to the show courtesy of donated tickets, and Ravn stresses that “after having their lives turned upside down by whatever it is that landed their son or daughter in the hospital, they will appreciate having a pro like Simon bringing some much-needed comic relief to their lives for an evening.”
For more on Simon Rakoff, visit www.SimonRakoff.com.
Event details
Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
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 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
Press Release: Trinidadian-born Canadian Comedian Jean Paul joins superstar lineup in fundraiser for kids with disabilities
Trinidadian-born Canadian Comedian Jean Paul joins superstar lineup in fundraiser for kids with disabilities
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Toronto, ON, September 30, 2009
Several of Canada’s funniest people, including Jean Paul, the Gemini-nominated comedian described by NOW magazine as a combination of “savage wit and spontaneous combustion”, will be taking the mic on October 21st, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza Toronto Don Valley Hotel, for the Laughs for Possibility Comedy Showcase to raise funds for Bloorview Kids Rehab, Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation hospital for kids with disabilities.
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), following the inaugural show in January 2009 which featured some of Canada’s top comedians. Laughs for Possibility 2 will bring out another crop of Canadian comedy superstars including Jean Paul, who comedy fans will recognize from his Comedy Now special on CTV and the Comedy Network and from his work with the Nubian Disciples of Prior All Black Comedy Revue. Other comics announced so far have been Bobby Mair (2009 Stand-up Newcomer nominee at Canadian Comedy Awards), Gilson Lubin (MTV, HBO Russell Simmons Def Comedy Jam), Kate Davis (Comedy Now, 2009 Best Female Stand-up nomimee at Canadian Comedy Awards) with more to be announced.
Laughs for Possibility was founded by local amateur comic, Lloyd Ravn, after his son Eric (now 4) suffered a major stroke in July 2008 and was admitted to Bloorview Kids Rehab’s inpatient unit, under the care of the Brain Injury Rehab Team (BIRT). After a strong recovery and subsequent discharge, Eric was re-admitted to Bloorview after two more strokes in May 2009, and he is still at Bloorview today.
As a father himself, Jean Paul understands that all parents need a break and an opportunity for some comedic relief. So when he saw the Laughs for Possibility show’s Twitter feed, and read about the show, he immediately contacted Lloyd to offer his assistance. “When a comic of Jean Paul’s calibre offers to perform on your fundraiser, it’s very exciting,” said Ravn. “We have tickets for the show that have been donated to parents of inpatient kids at Bloorview. Those parents need and deserve a good laugh, and I guarantee they will get exactly that from Jean Paul’s performance.”
For more on Jean Paul, visit http://www.jeanpaul.ca
Event details
Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
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 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 mailto:natson@bloorview.ca
Press Release: Canada’s “Funny Mommy” Kate Davis Joins Live Comedy Fundraiser for Kids with Disabilities
Canada’s “Funny Mommy” Kate Davis Joins Live Comedy Fundraiser for Kids with Disabilities
Toronto, ON, September 23, 2009
Several of Canada’s funniest people, including Canadian Comedy Awards 2009 “Best Stand-Up Female” nominee Kate Davis, will be taking the mic on October 21st, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza Toronto Don Valley Hotel, for the Laughs for Possibility Comedy Showcase to raise funds for Bloorview Kids Rehab, Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation hospital for kids with disabilities.
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), following the inaugural show in January 2009 which featured some of Canada’s top comedians. Laughs for Possibility 2 will bring out another crop of Canadian comedy superstars including Davis, a five-time Canadian Comedy Award nominee. Other comics announced so far have been Bobby Mair (2009 Stand-up Newcomer nominee at Canadian Comedy Awards) and Gilson Lubin (MTV, HBO Russell Simmons Def Comedy Jam), with more to be announced.
Laughs for Possibility was founded by local amateur comic, Lloyd Ravn, after his son Eric (now 4) suffered a major stroke in July 2008 and was admitted to Bloorview Kids Rehab’s inpatient unit, under the care of the Brain Injury Rehab Team (BIRT). After a strong recovery and subsequent discharge, Eric was re-admitted to Bloorview after two more strokes in May 2009, and he is still at Bloorview today.
“Kate is a perfect fit for Laughs for Possibility,” said Ravn of the nationally-touring headliner. The show grew out of Ravn’s desire to give other inpatient parents at Bloorview a chance to have a night away from the hospital along with a few well-deserved laughs, and Davis is well-known for her parenting with humour workshops, and hilarious stand-up material about her own parenting experiences, making her performance on October 21 “a guaranteed hit,” according to Ravn. “All of the parents in the audience on October 21 will connect with Kate immediately.”
For more on Kate Davis, visit http://www.funnymommy.com
Event details
Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
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 mailto:lloydravn@laughsforpossibility.com
Nicole Watson, Marketing and Communications Manager, Bloorview Kids Foundation
Tel: 416-424-3850 or nwatson@bloorview.ca
Press Release: Gilson Lubin, rising star on Canadian comedy scene, supporting kids with disabilities by joining Laughs for Possibility fundraiser
Gilson Lubin, rising star on Canadian comedy scene, supporting kids with disabilities by joining Laughs for Possibility fundraiser
Toronto, ON, September 23, 2009
Several of Canada’s funniest people, including St. Lucian-born Canuck Gilson Lubin, will be taking the mic on October 21st, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza Toronto Don Valley Hotel, for the Laughs for Possibility Comedy Showcase to raise funds for Bloorview Kids Rehab, Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation hospital for kids with disabilities.
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), following the inaugural show in January 2009 which featured some of Canada’s top comedians. Laughs for Possibility 2 will bring out another crop of Canadian comedy superstars including Lubin, who will be familiar to audience members from his time on MTV Canada and appearances on Comedy Now and HBO and Russell Simmons Def Comedy Jam.
Laughs for Possibility was founded by local amateur comic, Lloyd Ravn, after his son Eric (now 4) suffered a major stroke in July 2008 and was admitted to Bloorview Kids Rehab’s inpatient unit, under the care of the Brain Injury Rehab Team (BIRT). After a strong recovery and subsequent discharge, Eric was re-admitted to Bloorview after two more strokes in May 2009, and he is still at Bloorview today.
Ravn is excited to be announcing the addition of Gilson Lubin to the show (after previously announcing that Canadian Comedy Award nominee Bobby Mair will also be performing, along with several other Canadian comedy stars), predicting that Lubn’s laid-back delivery of off-kilter material “will win the audience over from his first joke.” For more on Gilson Lubin, visit www.GilsonLubin.com.
Event details
Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
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 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 mailto:lloydravn@laughsforpossibility.com
Nicole Watson, Marketing and Communications Manager, Bloorview Kids Foundation
Tel: 416-424-3850 or nwatson@bloorview.ca
Press Release: Canadian Comedy Awards “Best Newcomer” nominee Bobby Mair joins Laughs for Possibility fundraiser in support of Bloorview Kids Foundati
Canadian Comedy Awards “Best Newcomer” nominee Bobby Mair joins Laughs for Possibility fundraiser in support of Bloorview Kids Foundation
Toronto, ON, September 24, 2009
Several of Canada’s funniest people, including Canadian Comedy Awards 2009 “Best Stand-Up Newcomer” nominee Bobby Mair, will be taking the mic on October 21st, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza Toronto Don Valley Hotel, for the Laughs for Possibility Comedy Showcase to raise funds for Bloorview Kids Rehab, Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation hospital for kids with disabilities.
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), following the inaugural show in January 2009 which featured some of Canada’s top comedians. Laughs for Possibility 2 will bring out another crop of Canadian comedy superstars including nationally touring headliners and stars of tomorrow.
Laughs for Possibility was founded by local amateur comic, Lloyd Ravn, after his son Eric (now 4) suffered a major stroke in July 2008 and was admitted to Bloorview Kids Rehab’s inpatient unit, under the care of the Brain Injury Rehab Team (BIRT). After a strong recovery and subsequent discharge, Eric was re-admitted to Bloorview after two more strokes in May 2009, and he is still at Bloorview today.
Ravn met Bobby Mair at an open mic show in 2006 and, like many others who saw him at the time, predicted that the young comic’s “dark, unapologetic material” would propel him to comedy stardom. Only 3 years later, Bobby is well-positioned to prove Ravn right, being one of the youngest comedians in the Yuk Yuk’s roster, and an audience favourite wherever he performs.
Event details
Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
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 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@laughsforpossibility.com
Nicole Watson, Marketing and Communications Manager, Bloorview Kids Foundation
Tel: 416-424-3850 or nwatson@bloorview.ca
Press Release: Long-distance Marketing: Tim Hortons Franchisees in New Brunswick Sponsor Toronto Fundraiser in Support of Bloorview Kids Foundation
Long-distance Marketing: Tim Hortons Franchisees in New Brunswick Sponsor Toronto Fundraiser in Support of Bloorview Kids Foundation
Toronto, ON, September 18, 2009
Jim and Chris Andrew, Tim Hortons franchisees in the small town of Sussex, New Brunswick, have signed on for a second time as a presenting sponsor of the Laughs for Possibility Comedy Fundraiser in support of Bloorview Kids Rehab, even though the event they are sponsoring is about 1,500 km away, in Toronto. The business decision to sponsor a fundraising event usually involves an expectation of a certain return on investment for the company involved. But what if your business is a coffee shop located a hard day’s drive from the event? Most operators wouldn’t see business sense in such a proposal. Jim and Chris, on the other hand, see it as an opportunity they can’t pass up.
“We want our business associated with this show because of the chance to help Bloorview after everything Bloorview has done for our family,” said Chris. The Andrews have a close connection to Bloorview, Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation hospital, through their grandson Eric. In July 2008, while on vacation at his grandparents’ cottage, then 3-year-old Eric experienced a massive stroke, which, once he was healthy enough to be transferred home to Ontario, led to a lengthy course of intensive therapy at Bloorview. “We sat in on one of Eric’s physiotherapy sessions, and knew when we saw the way his therapist was working with him, that Bloorview was a very special place” said Jim of the couple’s attachment to the rehab centre.
When Eric’s father, Lloyd Ravn, an amateur comedian in Toronto, told his in-laws of his plans to produce a live comedy fundraiser for Bloorview, and that he was searching for a corporate sponsor, they jumped on board immediately. This is the second Laughs for Possibility event, following the inaugural show in January 2009 which featured some of Canada’s top comedians, and which was also sponsored by Jim and Chris. Laughs for Possibility 2 will bring out another crop of Canadian comedy superstars to raise funds to help Bloorview reach its vision of “a world of possibility for kids with disability”.
Since the January show, Eric experienced two more strokes, in May 2009 and is back at Bloorview as an inpatient in the Brain Injury Rehab Team (BIRT) wing. As doctors work to find the as yet unknown cause of Eric’s strokes, not to mention how to prevent future relapses, Jim and Chris are happy to be supporting the hospital that is helping Eric recover. “The return to us in sponsoring this show is more on a personal level than a business one,” explained Jim. “But with the hard work everyone at Bloorview is doing to get Eric back to himself, we can expect the payback from the business end when Eric is old enough to come East to work at our stores.”
Tickets for Laughs for Possibility 2 are available at www.laughsforpossibility.com and the full lineup of Canadian comedy superstars who will be helping raise funds for Bloorview’s work with Eric and thousands of other kids with special needs will be announced on the week of September 21.
Event details
Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
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 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
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Press Release: Crowne Plaza Toronto Don Valley Hotel Supports Kids With Disabilities by Hosting Laughs for Possibility Comedy Fundraiser
Crowne Plaza Toronto Don Valley Hotel Supports Kids With Disabilities by Hosting Laughs for Possibility Comedy Fundraiser
Toronto, ON, September 17, 2009
On Wednesday October 21, some of Canada’s top stand-up comedians will take the mic in the Commonwealth Ballroom at the Crown Plaza Toronto Don Valley Hotel to help kids with disabilities. The Laughs for Possibility Comedy Showcase will raise funds to help Bloorview Kids Rehab, Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation hospital for kids with disabilities, work towards its vision of “a world of possibility for kids with disability.”
This is the second Laughs for Possibility event, following the inaugural show in January 2009 which featured some of Canada’s top comedians. Laughs for Possibility 2 will bring out another crop of Canadian comedy superstars in a new venue that will allow for three times the ticket sales.
Laughs for Possibility was founded by local amateur comic, Lloyd Ravn, after his son Eric (now 4) suffered a major stroke in July 2008 and was admitted to Bloorview Kids Rehab’s inpatient unit, under the care of the Brain Injury Rehab Team (BIRT). After a strong recovery and subsequent discharge, Eric was re-admitted to Bloorview after two more strokes in May 2009, and he is still at Bloorview today.
Ravn approached the Crowne Plaza on Eglinton at the Don Valley Parkway about the event and the catering department at the hotel agreed to help out. The central location of the hotel, with easy access from any direction in the GTA will make for a simple commute for all attendees. But most importantly, it is a short trip from Bloorview’s facilities near Bayview and Eglinton for parents of inpatient children, who can attend for free, thanks to good Samaritans who donate parent tickets . “Having a child in hospital makes it difficult for parents to allow themselves any time on their own, so finding a venue so close to Bloorview will help make it easier to leave for a couple of hours,” said Ravn. “It’s great to see a local business helping out neighbours like this.”
Tickets are available at http://www.laughsforpossibility.com/ and the full line-up of superstar Canadian comedians will be announced during the week of September 21.
Event details
Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
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@laughsforpossibility.com
Nicole Watson, Marketing and Communications Manager, Bloorview Kids Foundation Tel: 416-424-3850 or nwatson@bloorview.ca
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