The Big Slick Celebrity Weekend has become one of Kansas City’s most cherished and recognized events, and this year marks its 15th anniversary. Since its inception almost 15 years ago, the event has grown significantly, both in scope and impact.
One of its biggest successes? Merch! We chatted with Genumark’s Mandi Rudd, one of the dedicated organizers behind Big Slick, to get the lowdown on how merch – particularly t-shirts – have helped them smash fundraising goals.
The Big Slick began with an idea from Kansas City native and actor Rob Riggle. In 2010, he reached out to fellow Shawnee Mission West graduates Paul Rudd and Jason Sudeikis with a proposal: “Let’s host a poker tournament to raise money for Children’s Mercy.” An independently run, nonprofit pediatric hospital in Kansas City that provides treatment to everyone regardless of their financial circumstances. With unanimous support, they quickly mobilized their family and friends. Despite having only nine weeks to organize, the first Big Slick Celebrity Weekend was a success, raising over $120,000 with the help of celebrity friends like Will Ferrell, Adam McKay, Bobby Cannavale, George Wendt, and Will Forte.
Over the years, the event has expanded. Rob, Paul, and Jason have brought on other Kansas City natives, including Eric Stonestreet and David Koechner, and in 2023, they welcomed Heidi Gardner as the sixth official host.
Big Slick went from being a poker tournament, to a bowling tournament and so much more. Today, Big Slick encompasses a weekend filled with celebrity meet & greets, variety shows, cocktail parties, softball games and celebrity visits to Children’s Mercy Hospital. These activities not only provide entertainment but also drive significant fundraising efforts supporting Big Slick’s mission of early detection with the goal of eradicating pediatric cancer. Visiting the hospital brings a bit of reprieve and lots of smiles to the faces of CMH patients, their families and the medical staff. It’s the best part of the entire weekend!
Kansas City residents take great pride in their city, and branded merchandise plays a crucial role in the Big Slick’s fundraising success. The limited edition Big Slick t-shirts have become a tradition, raising over $92,000 in 2024 alone and over $700,000 since the event’s inception. Beyond t-shirts, the event features a wide range of merchandise, including koozies, lip balms, hand sanitizers, bottle openers, hats, socks, drinkware, bags, sweatshirts and more. This extensive merchandise lineup is curated & overseen by Genumark’s Mandi Rudd, Perfect Promotions’ Joan Koechner Charbonneau and commonsku’s David Shultz who each ensure all items resonate with the community.
Promotional products are more than just souvenirs; they are powerful fundraising tools. Here’s why they are so effective:
- Visibility: Branded items spread awareness about the cause.
- Community Building: Wearing event merchandise fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose.
- Tangible Support: Donors receive a physical item that symbolizes their contribution.
- Ongoing Engagement: Practical items keep the cause in mind long after the event.
This year, the Big Slick event raised a record breaking $3.97 million, bringing the total to $25 million over 15 years. This achievement highlights the power of community engagement and the strategic use of promotional products in fundraising.
The Big Slick charity event exemplifies how community spirit, entertainment, and effective marketing can drive significant philanthropic efforts. For more information on how you can get involved, visit Big Slick KC.
Need showstopping merch for your fundraising efforts? Team Genumark has got you covered! Reach out to your rep today, or start a new project here:
*Merch in this story not created by Genumark
