Organized by the McGill IBD Research Group in collaboration with the Foundation, the 2025 edition of the annual fundraising evening for the McGill Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Research Group will be a night full of laughs, warmth, and community.
Funds raised support the care of patients treated each year at the McGill IBD clinics:
- The MUHC IBD Centre at the Montreal General Hospital
- The IBD clinic at the Montreal Children’s Hospital
- The IBD clinic at the Jewish General Hospital
he evening consists of a cocktail dinatoire,), and a comedy show with a line-up of up-and-coming comedians, featuring headliner Joey Elias, and hosted by and in-game animator for the Montreal Canadiens, Olivia Benaroche. Thistakes place at Le Rinque on Thursday, November 20, at 6:00 p.m.
Olivia Benaroche is a comedian, event host, and voice actor. She is also the in-game host for the Montreal Canadiens. Formerly a producer at Just for Laughs, Olivia has been involved in the comedy industry for over a decade, having worked behind the scenes, in front of the camera, and on stage in many capacities. Olivia’s comedic style incorporates storytelling and impersonations, conveying her lived experience as a polyglot from Montreal and as a cancer survivor.
Starting in 1992, Joey Elias worked his way from open mic nights to Comedy Festivals around the world. He now co-hosts ” The Trivia Show” on CJAD800 Sunday mornings, bringing his sharp wit and engaging storytelling to listeners and audiences alike.
Claudine Napoleon has performed in English and French across Montreal, appeared in Sugar Sammy’s 2025 Gala, was a semi-finalist in the 2024 Ten Comedy Showdown, and co-produced her first show, Ladies First.
Montreal-born Chris Venditto has performed across Canada and at comedy festivals including Just for Laughs 42 and Off JFL/ZooFest. He has roasted personalities like Tony Marinaro and Denis Coderre, blending humour with genuine conversation and a love for sports and pop culture.
