In 2014, we hosted our first comedy fundraiser in support of the Kidney Foundation of Canada at the Marquee Bar and Stage. The event was sponsored by our team and supported by family, friends, clients and colleagues at Richardson Wealth.
With over 500 attendees dressed in accordance with the ‘Vegas Nightclub’ theme, the event featured a live performance by former school teacher turned stand-up comedian Gerry Dee, silent and live auctions, and a performance by Vancouver-based cover band SideOne.
Prior to Gerry Dee’s performance Danielle Dececco shared her story of receiving a double lung transplant over 20 years ago as a result of being born with Cystic Fibrosis. As unbelievable as that story is, she also received a kidney transplant this spring from Scott Thompson whom she knows because Scott had three siblings who suffered from Cystic Fibrosis and grew up with Danielle. Needless to say, there were a few tears in the crowd after Danielle told her story, but they were quickly washed away when Gerry came on stage.
The event was an unbelievable success, raising over $225,000 in support of the ASF, Pedersen Family KFOC Alport Syndrome Research Fund within the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
A huge thank you to our sponsors and all who came out to support this event. All proceeds from the event will go directly to research that fights all kidney diseases.
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The Pedersen Family | | 
The Herron Foundation and Gerry Dee |
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Gerry Dee performing his comedy act |
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Jim and Sharon Novak with Kurt Pedersen | | 
Sonny Warrack enjoying the show |
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Danielle Dececco and her donor, Scott Thompson |
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SideOne jamming to a classic cover song! | | 
Liz and Kurt Pedersen with Gerry Dee |
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One of the VIP booths for our clients |
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Ana Maria Piedrahita with Brook Moir | | 
Jen MacLean with Darren and Sally Driscoll |
Did you know approx. 2.6 million Canadians are living with Kidney Disease?
The Kidney Foundation is a national volunteer organization helping millions of Canadian suffering from kidney failure and related disorders. Through their research, awareness campaigns, and donations they help to reduce the overall burden of kidney disease. Kurt’s active involvement with the Alport Syndrome Foundation, Pedersen Family Kidney Foundation Of Canada Alport Syndrome Research Fund has raised over $1,000,000 for kidney research!
Gerry Dee is best known for placing third on the fifth season of Last Comic Standing. This former teacher turned comedian has been part of The Comedy Network, the world famous Montreal Just for Laughs International Comedy Festival and has performed in many comedy clubs including Just for Laughs and Yuk Yuks. His most recent project is a sitcom on CBC television called Mr.D.