The Trillium Health Partners Foundation (THPF) has announced Gerry Dee, actor-comedian and star of the hit CBC sitcom Mr. D, is back as the main headline of THPF’s Laugh Out Loud (LOL) Gala.
Golden Globe and Emmy Award nominee Alan Thicke will join the party as opening act and emcee. The theme will celebrate all things Canada.
“Gerry has been a sensational emcee at our past two LOL galas and following a groundswell of popular demand, we are thrilled he has agreed to be our headline act,” says Steve Hoscheit, president and CEO of THPF. “Both Gerry Dee and Alan Thicke are tremendous Canadian talents—a perfect fit for LOL, which is one of our most successful fundraisers.”
Gerry Dee recalled the surprise he felt when Robin Williams succumbed to depression and took his own life. It goes to prove, he thought, that there is so much suffering we are unaware of and that needs to be cared for. So he felt particularly proud to be back for Laugh Out Loud Eh! This would provide him with another opportunity to meet doctors, because speaking as a hypochondriac one can never know enough doctors.
Dr. Rose Geist, Program Chief and Medical Director Mental Health, THP, described this year’s fundraising goal for a new emergency mental health program as a vital improvement in the care for people in great need, at their most vulnerable, in an emergency ward when they are emotionally distraught and may be suffering from a mental illness as well. Next year the Trillium emergency teams hope to have a much better facility for treating these people when they need their help the most.
Each year close to 1,000 guests attend LOL. Since its inception in 2013, LOL has raised a total of $4.7 million for initiatives across THP, including Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga Hospital and Queensway Health Centre.
THPF’s LOL gala will take place on February 28. Tickets are available by calling THP at 905-848-7580 x. 2969 or by visiting the LOL website.
Check out these photos from THPF’s LOL Media Launch!
Click for a larger image
About Trillium Health Partners Foundation
Trillium Health Partners Foundation was formed in July 2013 upon the successful amalgamation of Trillium Health Centre Foundation and The Credit Valley Hospital Foundation. Together as one foundation, Trillium Health Partners Foundation is dedicated to raising the critical funds needed to address the highest priority needs of Trillium Health Partners, one of the largest community-based, acute care facilities in Canada. Trillium Health Partners is comprised of The Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga Hospital and Queensway Health Centre. To learn more, visit www.trilliumgiving.ca
About Trillium Health Partners
Trillium Health Partners is one of the largest community-based academically affiliated acute care facilities in Canada, serving the growing and diverse populations of Mississauga, West Toronto and surrounding communities. To learn more, visit www.trilliumhealthpartners.ca.