Big Slick 2024: A Star-Studded Weekend for Children’s Mercy Hospital

Kansas City was buzzin’ this past weekend, and no, it wasn’t just the barbecue (though that’s always a good time). The annual Big Slick charity event rolled into town, bringing a whole lotta heart and a whole lotta star power to raise funds for the incredible Children’s Mercy Hospital. Even a little rain shower on Friday couldn’t dampen the spirits at the celebrity softball game, kicking things off with a home run of a good time at Kauffman Stadium.

Swinging for the Fences: Big Slick Softball Game

Picture this: a sunny afternoon, the roar of the crowd, and a motley crew of comedians, musicians, and yeah, even some actual athletes taking the field. This wasn’t your average softball game, folks, this was Big Slick! We’re talking Kansas City royalty like Tech N9ne and Eric Hosmer sharing the diamond with the likes of Al Roker (who knew he could handle a bat?) and the one and only Weird Al Yankovic. Trust us, you haven’t lived until you’ve seen Weird Al round third base.

Of course, no Big Slick game would be complete without the founding fathers themselves: Rob Riggle, Paul Rudd, and Jason Sudeikis. These guys are like the heart and soul of Big Slick, proving that laughter truly is the best medicine (especially when it benefits kids in need).

From Poker Chips to Party Time: The Evolution of Big Slick

Way back in the hazy days of , Big Slick started as a humble poker tournament. But much like that friend who starts a sourdough starter during quarantine and ends up opening a bakery, Big Slick quickly realized it was destined for bigger and better things.

Fast forward to , and we’ve got ourselves a full-blown, multi-day extravaganza! This ain’t your grandma’s charity event, either (unless your grandma happens to be besties with Paul Rudd, in which case, invite us next time?). Big Slick now boasts a crew of six hilarious hosts, all reppin’ their Kansas City roots: Rob Riggle, Paul Rudd, Jason Sudeikis, Eric Stonestreet, David Koechner, and the newest addition to the fam, Heidi Gardner.

Saturday Night Live Meets the Heartland

Speaking of Heidi Gardner, the Saturday Night Live star was definitely bringin’ the funny this year. And like any good friend on a road trip, she brought along some pals to join the fun. Fellow cast members Punkie Johnson, James Austin Johnson, and Ego Nwodim were spotted soaking up the Big Slick vibes, proving that even the biggest stars can’t resist the charm of Kansas City hospitality.

And let’s not forget the young blood! At the ripe old age of , Gaten Matarazzo (you know, Dustin from Stranger Things?) was one of the youngest celebs in attendance. This just goes to show that Big Slick is a cause that resonates across generations—and hey, maybe Gaten picked up some fundraising tips from the pros.

More Than Just Laughs: Making a Difference at Children’s Mercy

Sure, Big Slick is a weekend full of laughs, good times, and enough celebrity sightings to make your head spin. But at its core, this event is all about one thing: supporting the amazing work being done at Children’s Mercy Hospital.

Every year, the Big Slick crew makes it a priority to visit with the kids at Children’s Mercy, trading jokes and sharing moments that go way beyond the red carpet. It’s a powerful reminder that behind the glitz and glamour, these are real people using their platform to make a real difference. As Eric Stonestreet put it, “It’s about finding that balance between the impactful moments and the laughter. That’s what makes Big Slick so special.”

And when it comes to impact, Big Slick delivers. The event’s primary focus is raising funds for pediatric cancer research at Children’s Mercy, and boy, have they raised some dough! We’re talkin’ a whopping million dollars raised since . That’s a whole lotta hope, a whole lotta research, and hopefully, a whole lotta happy endings.

Big Slick Keeps on Giving

As the sun set on another successful softball game, the party was far from over. The Big Slick festivities were set to continue into Saturday evening with the main event: the Big Slick Party and Show at the T-Mobile Center. You just knew this star-studded extravaganza would be one for the books, with performances, auctions, and enough heart to fill the entire arena.

Big Slick is more than just a charity event; it’s a testament to the power of community, generosity, and a whole lotta laughter. By bringing together celebrities, athletes, and everyday folks who believe in the power of a good cause, Big Slick continues to prove that when we come together, we can make a real difference in the lives of children and families facing unimaginable challenges.