Seinfeld's Calgary shows to raise funds for Owen Hart Foundation
Jerry Seinfeld is returning to Calgary.
The comedian is set to perform with the Owen Hart Foundation for its 25th annual fundraising event. Seinfeld is a friend of the foundation, having performed at its 10th and 20th anniversaries.
Seinfeld is one of the most popular standup comedians of all time, the foundation said in a statement Tuesday, and noted it has had a long-held plan for him to return for the organization's 25th anniversary.
“We feel tremendously honoured to host such a talented, formidable and iconic performer — again, for the third time,” said Martha Hart, founder of the foundation.
Seinfeld has had a lengthy and successful career in comedy, through his standup performances and award-winning sitcom, Seinfeld. His recent successes include Netflix specials, Jerry Before Seinfeld and 23 Hours to Kill, as well as his highly acclaimed web series, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.
The foundation is also hosting an online auction, with more than $40,000 in prizes. Some of the notable items up for auction are a Westjet travel package, NFL tickets and VIP packages for Seinfeld's Calgary shows.
The annual event in Calgary has brought big-name celebrities to the city over the years, including David Spade, Alec Baldwin, Robin Williams and Ringo Starr.
The Owen Hart Foundation was started in December 2000 by Martha Hart to honour her late husband, Owen, who died as a result of a wrestling stunt gone wrong. He was known as “a practical man of profound integrity, a wonderful husband and a devoted father,” according to the foundation's website.
“He would be extremely proud of the good work carried out by the foundation and would be honoured to be remembered for what he loved best, which was his sincere kindness to all people.”
The foundation supports local and national communities through scholarships, housing and partnership programs. It also provides foreign aid through Ashid Bahl's For The Love of Children Society and other NGOS.
Seinfeld is set to perform two standup comedy shows on Nov. 16 at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium — one at 6 p.m. and another at 9 p.m. Tickets go on sale on May 9 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster. All proceeds go to the Owen Hart Foundation.