KANSAS CITY, Mo. — It's a weekend that promises A-list celebrities and big donations.
Big Slick KC, which started as a poker tournament, has since grown into a major fundraiser that benefits the Cancer Center at Children's Mercy Hospital. One of the celebrity hosts pushing the cause is actor and Kansas City native Paul Rudd.
"He was a great kid from the day he was born," said his mother, Gloria Rudd, who still lives in the metro.
In her office, she has posters on the walls highlighting some of her son's biggest roles, from "Knocked Up" to "Ant Man."
"He has such a presence on stage," Gloria Rudd said. "I love when he does Shakespeare and just drama."
One of Rudd's teachers told 41 Action News he was destined to perform.
"Whenever he would perform, he would have a whole group of people watch him perform, teenagers go sit down and watch him," said Sally Shipley, who taught Rudd at Shawnee Mission West High School. "I didn't know that was happening. Then, when we got into finals, it was obvious he had a cheering section."
When Big Slick first started, however, patients at Children's Mercy didn't know the actor.
"Because 'Anchorman,' 'Anchorman 2,' 'Knocked Up' — not really films for kids," Gloria Rudd said.
But as Rudd got more jobs and bigger roles, he continued to make time for children in need.
"He negotiates big contracts, but he will always say, 'These are blackout dates. I can't be available,'" his mother said.
Gloria Rudd said she always knew her son would be an actor and find a way to give back at the same time.
"I'm not surprised at all. He's a good guy," she said.
Tickets are still on sale for the Big Slick party and show at the Sprint Center at 8 p.m. Saturday.
There is also an online auction, which includes items such as a trip to see Jason Sudeikis guest host on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and tickets to the premiere of "Joker."
For more information on Big Slick KC, click here.
