#SPOTTED: WILL ARNETT, JIM GAFFIGAN + KEVIN NEALON AT “LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE III” GALA

The third Laughter is the Best Medicine Gala, presented by BMO, was held last night at the Canadian National Exhibition‘s Automotive Building, the previous bash held September 2014.  Sure to be a star-studded affair with blockbuster names like Jerry Seinfeld (2012) and Chris Rock (2014) having graced the stage in previous years, comedic icons Jim Gaffigan and Kevin Nealon (Saturday Night Live) headlined this edition of the black-tie affair.

Over 1,200 guests, who dined on culinary delights by restaurant mogul Susur Lee, filled the venue with proceeds of the Gala supporting the Michael Garron Hospital, known formerly as the Toronto East General Hospital. The Hospital received an historic gift of $50 million by Berna and Myron Garron in honour of their late son Michael.

In addition to the headliners in attendance, the likes of Ben & Jessica Mulroney, Sylvia & Robert Mantella, Connie & Bill Stavro, Gala Co-Chair and Invictus Games CEO Michael Burns, plus Mayor John Tory graced the red carpet.

Will Arnett hails from Toronto and still is at the top of his game with a leading role in this year’s Box Office smash The Lego Batman Movie and was named the Hospital’s first ever Honourary Doctor. Once again he filled hosting duties as Master of Ceremonies at the Gala. His father Jim, who also attended on a timely note with his mother Alix this Mother’s Day weekend, served on the Board for the Toronto East General Hospital between 2002 to 2009, serving as Chairman between 2006 to 2008.

Our Justin Waldman had the pleasure of chatting with Arnett on the Carpet and tells us about how he came to be involved with the affair. “Five years ago, they asked me to be a part of it. My dad worked with them so I was familiar with the hospital and they do such great things.”.  “It started kinda small and has managed to expand over the years into the Michael Garron Hospital.”. “I’m really excited to be a part of this.”.

Among the super-rare items and experiences up for auction were a chance to have an intimate dinner with Arnett himself, the lucky bidders topping all with a $25k winning bid. Trips to anywhere on the Air Canada network with luxurious accommodations in the south of France also were up for grabs, a top bid rising eventually to $30k.

See some Snaps from the evening below. Hover cursor over left and right of album to navigate slideshow:

Our Justin Waldman and Siobhán Rich at the star-studded Laughter is the Best Medicine III Gala last night with #WillArnett, #JimGaffigan + #KevinNealon. #MGHLaughter

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 14, 2017 at 9:14am PDT

Check out highlights from previous editions of the Gala:

Laughter is the Best Medicine I

Laughter is the Best Medicine II

More on the #MGHLaughter Gala here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Siobhán Rich/Justin Waldman)