LAUGH YOUR FACE OFF- 11th Annual
Laugh Your Face Off started in 2015 with a simple idea: what if comedy could help fund a cure?
WGN Morning News co-host and stand-up comedian Pat Tomasulo launched the event after his wife, Amy, was diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia—a rare and debilitating neurological condition that causes severe facial pain. Often referred to as “the suicide disease” because of its intensity, trigeminal neuralgia has no cure and limited treatment options, with research funding historically scarce.
So Tomasulo did what he knew how to do—he put on a comedy show.
Eleven years later, Laugh Your Face Off has raised more than $4.6 million for the Facial Pain Research Foundation, the only organization solely dedicated to funding research into facial pain conditions. What began as a small Chicago fundraiser has grown into the largest comedy fundraiser in the city.
This year, the event moves to the Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier for a night of stand-up, live music, and a digital silent auction featuring high-end Chicago experiences. Past auction items have included a private yacht cruise with Hockey Hall of Famer Chris Chelios, a Michelin-starred dining experience at Ever, and dinner with WGN meteorologist Tom Skilling.
The silent auction is open to everyone—you do not need a ticket to participate. It opens April 13; visit laughyourfaceoff.org to browse and bid.
The lineup includes Megan Gailey, Kevin Bozeman, Adam Gilbert, and Kyle Ayers, with music from John Vincent. Tomasulo hosts.
Presented by Northwestern Medicine, a longtime partner in advancing awareness and patient care.
Unlike most charity events, many attendees come for the comedy and leave with a deeper connection to the cause—helping turn a local show into a major driver of research funding.
Saturday, April 25, 2026. Doors at 7 PM, show ends by 10 PM. Tickets are $150 at laughyourfaceoff.org.
Aon Grand Ballroom, Navy Pier, 840 E Grand Ave.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3545615-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3545615-2
