Big Slick returns to KC to raise money for kids
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Celebrity panel for Big Slick. Photo: Kyle Rivas/Getty Images
What started in 2010 as a casual poker night between Kansas City pals has grown into the city's biggest celebrity weekend, packed with baseball, comedy and fundraising for Children's Mercy.
The big picture: Big Slick brings a rotating lineup of celebrities to KC for a charity softball game at Kauffman Stadium, a comedy show at T-Mobile Center and a live auction, all organized by hometown hosts Rob Riggle, Paul Rudd, Jason Sudeikis, Eric Stonestreet, David Koechner and Heidi Gardner.
By the numbers: The event, now in its 16th year, has raised more than $24 million for pediatric cancer care and research at Children's Mercy.
What they're saying: "We may be living in other places right now, but this is always home. Always will be," Riggle said at a press conference Friday.
- Sudeikis paid tribute to "Cheers" actor and longtime Big Slick supporter George Wendt, who died earlier this month, saying, "He's still a part of this; just as much as any of us. There's that old saying, don't meet your heroes, usually because they let you down. But George wasn't one of those people."
Behind the scenes: The weekend is run almost entirely by the co-hosts and their families, booking talent, planning events and staying up late to make it all happen.
- "It's not easy," Rudd said. "We're winging it half the time, but we try to find that balance between entertaining people and raising money."
The intrigue: This year's auction includes stunt driving with Johnny Knoxville and a red carpet premiere with Rudd and Jack Black.
- "These are the so-and-sos you should be paying attention to," Stonestreet said.
- A past Big Slick auction highlight was a barstool from Wendt that he "rubbed himself onto" and sold for around $5,000. "That was Big Slick Year One," Sudeikis said. "Set the bar that high."
The bottom line: Big Slick has become more than a fundraiser. "It just feels like home," Gardner said. "Every year, it's like seeing your family. Not your family, but the one that became your family."
If you go: Expect packed crowds, surprise celebrity moments and limited-edition merch all benefiting Children's Mercy. Snag tickets (starting at $94) or donate directly here.
What's next: This year, they're hoping to top last year's record $3.97 million and keep proving that KC shows up big when it matters most.