Mayor Jim Watson proclaims Thursday June 21st 2012 as Mike MacDonald Day in Ottawa

I am so very pleased and proud to let you know that Mayor Jim Watson has proclaimed Thursday June 21st, 2012 as Mike MacDonald Day here in Ottawa. A big thanks goes out to Brookfield High School alumnus, and Mike's friend, Chris Johnston who spearheaded the request to the city to recognize Mike's contributions to Canadian Comedy and his current battle with hepatitis C.

I'm sure many of you are already aware of Mike's need for a liver transplant and financial assistance to help him through this tough time via news outlets and social media. As a result of his situation, an unbelievable group of friends, fans and peers have rallied together to organize the biggest ever fundraising event being held at comedy clubs across Canada for Mike's benefit.

Twenty comedy clubs, including all the Yuk Yuk's clubs in the country, in seventeen different Canadian cities will be hosting fund raising events simultaneously this Thursday, June 21st.

This also happens to be Mike's 57th birthday and I couldn't think of a nicer gift than over 100 comedians coast to coast donating there services to help my big brother out in his time of need. Here in Ottawa, Yuk Yuk's on Elgin Street will be having a great show. The headliners include Lawrence Morgenstern, Graham Kay and Bobby Mair. Ottawa comics on the bill are Trevor Thompson, Martha Chaves, Dave McConnell, Peter Grunstra and Alex Wood. Each comic will do a short set and there will be a few surprises. Mike is hoping to attend with his family health permitting. The show begins at 8 p.m. and tickets are $20 and available at the Yuk Yuk's box office by calling 613-236-5233.

Mike's good friend and one of the main fundraising organizers Matt Billon will also be MCing a show at Absolute Comedy on Preston this Thursday as well with comedians Rick Currie, Matt Beatty and many others. If you live in LA, The Laugh Factory is having a fundraiser this Wednesday June 20th featuring an unbelievable line-up including Ottawa Yuk Yuk's alumni Tom Green and MC Jeremy Hotz making this an international fundraising effort.

I hope if you have the time and you'd like to have a good laugh, you can find a comedy club near you this Thursday night and help support my big brother Mike. For those of you who can't make a show but would like to make a donation for Mike, you can go to the following website:  http://www.gofundme.com/mikemacdonald . Mike's original facebook message from several weeks ago reaching out for help can be found here.

Check out this recent article in MacLean's Magazine:  http://www2.macleans.ca/2012/05/31/on-life-in-the-fast-lane-his-hepatitis-c-diagnosis-and-the-miracle-he-is-praying-for/

This is in the Ottawa Citizen today:  www.ottawacitizen.com/entertainment/Fundraiser+held+ailing+comic+Mike+MacDonald/6800513/story.html

Please help spread the word and I thank you all for your continued support,

J.P. MacDonald
AKA Johnny Vegas
613-237-1319

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