Legendary Entertainer at new “Venue” Returns for 45th Ingalls Benefit Show on May 20

Jay Leno, the acclaimed TV Late Night Show host and producer of NBC’s “Jay Leno’s Garage,” returns for a record-setting third appearance to headline the annual charity event, which has raised more than $16 million to support the mission of Ingalls Memorial Hospital in south-suburban Harvey.

“We are delighted to welcome back Jay who last appeared at the benefit show in 2009. His performances are hilarious, high energy and get the whole audience involved,” says Ingalls Vice President of Philanthropy Paul Donohue. This year the benefit show moves to a new location, The Venue at Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Ind. “We couldn’t be more pleased to host this outstanding event, which has become the premiere charity event in the Southland and Northwest, Indiana,” added Horseshoe Sales Manager Sarah Vogel.

This year marks the 45th year for the show, which draws Ingalls supporters from throughout the Chicago area and northwest Indiana. All monies raised benefit Ingalls in support of its mission to improve the health of the communities it serves. Among the uses for benefit show proceeds are community benefit programs, employee scholarships, and funds to help renovate two labor and delivery patient care rooms. Since its inaugural year, the event has raised more than $16 million for Ingalls.

“The success of the benefit show has relied over the years on outstanding business partners, our physicians, employees, patients and community. We couldn’t be more thrilled with the response so far following the merger with our new partner, the University of Chicago Medicine,” explained Ingalls President Kurt E. Johnson.

Prior events have included performances by Jennifer Hudson, Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson and the legendary Diana Ross. This year that string of legendary performers continues with Jay Leno, widely characterized as “the hardest working man in show business.” Having passed the torch of Tonight Show succession to Jimmy Fallon, Jay is only getting busier. He has increased his customary busy schedule of comedy performances in top venues around the country in addition to his newest venture, “Jay Leno’s Garage”, which features Jay’s classic car collection in a variety of adventures in an Emmy Award winning program.

It was in May of 1992 when Jay followed in the footsteps of legendary NBC late-night hosts Steve Allen, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson as “Tonight Show” host. For 19 years Leno dominated the television ratings in a program where he first appeared as a guest in 1977.

In the year 2000 Jay made his first appearance at the Ingalls Development Foundation Benefit Show. Seventeen years later Jay Leno returns to a new venue in support of a great mission, to improve the health of the communities served by Ingalls, a great and storied community hospital.

More information is available online at www.Ingalls.org/foundation, or contact the Ingalls Development Foundation at 708.915.6369.