Entertainment
COVID-19 cancels Kansas City’s Big Slick: Rudd, Sudeikis, Stonestreet social distance
They may call Kansas City home. But this year, because of COVID-19, they’re not coming home.
This would have been the 11th year for Big Slick Celebrity Weekend, where actors Paul Rudd, Jason Sudeikis, Rob Riggle, Eric Stonestreet and David Koechner return to Kansas City to host celebrity friends at the fundraiser for Children’s Mercy Hospital.
Now it’s time to socially distance.
Because of fears of the spread of coronavirus, organizers announced Tuesday they were canceling the event that was scheduled for June 5 and 6.
Big Slick has raised more than $10 million over its run, which is expected to continue in 2021.
“We’re all disappointed to miss a year, but the health and safety of everyone involved is our highest priority,” organizers said in a statement, noting the celebrities’ love for the cause and hometown. “Unfortunately, in this difficult battle against coronavirus, showing that love means staying home.
“Big Slick draws big crowds and requires a lot of travel, which go against social distancing guidelines that are so critical at this time.”
Big Slick began in 2010 as a celebrity poker fundraiser for the hospital, hosted by Rudd, Sudeikis and Riggle, who grew up in Overland Park. It has since transformed into a massive fundraising weekend, with a Friday night softball game at Kauffman Stadium, Saturday morning bowling tournament, complete with red carpet arrival, and a show and auction that filled the Sprint Center.
Stonestreet of Kansas City, Kansas, and Koechner of Tipton, Missouri, signed on as co-hosts in 2014. Over the years, Selena Gomez, Will Ferrell, Jon Hamm, Olivia Wilde, Johnny Knoxville, John Oliver, Kansas Citian Heidi Gardner of “Saturday Night Live” and many other celebrities have taken part.
The event is one of Children’s Mercy’s largest fundraisers. Donations to Children’s Mercy can be made at bigslickkc.org.