Philly Fights Cancer would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who joined us for Philly Fights Cancer: From Home, honoring Mrs. Barbara Netter. The evening was a huge success, raising over $3 million dollars and counting for research and clinical trials at the Abramson Cancer Center, with a spotlight on the hospital’s Pancreatic Cancer research team. The night featured a comedic conversation between stand-up comedy superstar and actor Sebastian Maniscalco and was moderated by Pat McGann. The event also included a captivating musical performance by famed jazz and soul singer Jessy Kyle. We’d like to thank all of our restaurant partners, and those of your who ordered out as a way to show your support for restaurants during this challenging time.

About Sebastian Maniscalco

In 2019, Sebastian Maniscalco continued reaching heights that few comedians could ever dream about. With a string of record-breaking, sold-out arena shows including the United Center in his hometown of Chicago, Boston’s TD Garden, The Forum in LA and New York’s Madison Square Garden; a new Netflix original special called “Stay Hungry;” the launch of his brand-new You Bother Me tour; and a starring role alongside Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci in Martin Scorsese’s Oscar- nominated The Irishman, it’s no surprise that Pollstar presented him with 2019’s Comedy Tour of the Year award.

That success follows a number of blockbuster years for the comedian, author and actor that have included releasing a best-selling memoir, Stay Hungry; landing a role in Green Book, which won Best Picture at the Academy Awards and receiving Billboard’s inaugural Comedian of the Year award.

Maniscalco’s five television comedy specials (for Netflix, Showtime and Comedy Central) scaled new ratings heights, prompting NBC’s Nightly News to dub him “comedy’s new superstar.” His most recent special, “Stay Hungry,” was filmed in 2018 during a run of five sold-out shows at Radio City Music Hall. The same week the special was released on Netflix in January 2019, he performed an astonishing four sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden, breaking the record for highest- grossing comedy event ever in North America. That trajectory continued all year with Maniscalco breaking the record for highest gross for a single performance (e.g., one event) comedy show at TD Garden in Boston and putting on the biggest comedy show in the history of Chicago’s United Center and with 21,286 tickets sold, the event also broke his own record of best attendance at a single show.

It is no wonder the New York Times called him “the hottest comic in America.” And while some might take a break, the Chicago-born Maniscalco is not one to rest on his laurels—it’s a work ethic drilled into him by his father. And so, in 2020, the man dubbed “the comedian’s comedian” by People magazine shows no sign of slowing down.

About Pat McGann

Pat McGann is quickly rising as one of the sharpest stand-ups in the comedy world.  A relative latecomer to the scene, Pat began stand up at the age of 31 after realizing he was not very good at selling packaging.  He hustled his way to become the house emcee at Zanies Chicago, where he distinguished himself as especially adept at working the crowd. A husband and father of 3 young children, Pat’s appeal stems from his quick wit & relatable take on family life & marriage. In 2017, McGann began touring as the opening act for Sebastian Maniscalco, moving with him from clubs, to theater, and to arenas, including 4 sold out shows at Madison Square Garden. McGann’s relatively short, but impressive resume, includes performances on The Late Show with David Letterman, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Montreal’s famed Just For Laughs Festival, Gilda’s LaughFest, The Great American Comedy Festival and the Nashville Comedy Fest. McGann still calls Chicago home.

About Jessy Kyle

Jessy Kyle is a Philadelphia based jazz/soul singer, songwriter, and pianist. Years of vocal lessons, studio sessions, and close to 2000 live performances have cultivated her rich, raspy voice. Jessy has performed at such venues as the Wachovia Center, Veteran’s Stadium, Lincoln Financial Field, The Spectrum, Citizens Bank Arena, The Philadelphia Convention Center, Madison Square Garden, and the White House.

Philly Fights Cancer: From Home Restaurant Partners

Thank you to everyone who showed your support for the restaurant community by ordering takeout or delivery. You are encouraged to continue patronizing our partners, listed below.