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Anthony Rizzo has made a big impression during his four seasons as a Chicago Cub, twice being named a league All-Star and helping carry the team to the 2015 National League Championship Series. But the 26-year-old Rizzo, a survivor of Hodgkin's lymphoma, is an even bigger hero to the young patients at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, whom he fre- quently visits to offer support and smiles as part of his Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation. As he prepares for the next foundation fundraiser, Laugh-Off for Cancer (a comedy night featuring notable comics as well as some of Rizzo's Cub team- mates), number 44 opens up about his mission to give back, improve kids' lives, and ultimately knock cancer out of the park. What was the biggest challenge for you when you were going through Hodgkin's yourself? Besides physically not being able to play baseball, it was seeing the impact cancer had on my family. It was an extremely diffcult time: While I was undergoing treatment, my grandma was battling breast cancer. I knew I had to be strong for everyone. Even during the 2015 playoffs, you visited cancer patients in the hospital. Why is this cause so important to you? It's important for me to make kids smile when I visit them; I feel like it gives them a chance to forget every- thing for a few minutes and allows them to just be kids again. These kids are the true heroes who are fghting every day. I like to tell them to stay strong and dream big. What was your favorite part of last year's Laugh-Off? The improv portion with actors from The Second City. It was great to watch my teammates let loose a little and have fun onstage, and we raised $140,000 for families battling cancer. Did any of your teammates surprise you with their comic ability? We have a bunch of funny guys on the team, and it showed onstage. Ryan Dempster is always awesome to watch; I wasn't surprised that he had the crowd laughing. What's your proudest accom- plishment with your foundation? One big accomplishment this year was the opening of the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation Hospitality Room at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. I make frequent visits there, so having a room with the foundation's name on it is truly special. Laugh-Off for Cancer takes place January 14 at Studio Paris, 59 W. Hubbard St., Second Fl. For tickets, which are $150, visit rizzo44.com. MA Laughing Matters ChiCago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo steps up to the plate for ailing kids with his seCond annual winter Comedy event, laugh-off for CanCer. by j.p. anderson Charity register Opportunities to give. by evelyn riveros World of ChoColate What: the great hall serves as the gathering ground for the aids foundation of Chicago's 14th annual gala, a Great Gatsby–inspired evening promising sweets aplenty. When: december 3, 6 pm Where: union station, 500 w. Jackson blvd. Tickets: Call 312-922-2322 or visit aidschicago.org/chocolate. all aboard! What: in support of the Chicago botanic garden's educational programs, the woman's board of the Chicago horticultural society hosts its 10th annual fête, where guests can enjoy cocktails and dinner to the sounds of jazz. When: december 4, 6:30 pm Where: Chicago botanic garden, 1000 lake Cook road, glencoe Tickets: Call 847-835-6833 or visit register.chicagobotanic.org. red Carpet for hope What: Join st. Jude Children's research hospital for an evening of fundraising, complete with dinner, a raffe, auctions, and a live screening of the 73rd golden globe awards. When: January 10, 5 pm Where: trump international hotel & tower, 401 n. wabash ave. Tickets: visit stjude.org/ redcarpetforhope. Grand Chefs Gala What: hosted by food network star Jeff mauro, this event features signature dishes, cocktails, and a silent auction benefting the Cystic fibrosis foundation. When: January 29, 6 pm Where: navy pier grand ballroom, 600 e. grand ave. Tickets: visit grandchefsgala.eventscff.org. At last year's inaugural Laugh-Off for Cancer, the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation raised $140,000. inset: Rizzo at bat. CULtUre spirit of generosity 72 michiganavemag.com