Honoring the Life and Legacy of Kenny DeForest
Kenny DeForest was a beloved stand-up comedian and actor based in New York City, best known for his appearances on Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Late Late Show with James Corden, Comedy Central Stand-Up, HBO’s Crashing, TruTV’s Friends of the People, and as a former producer and co-host of Comedy at the Knitting Factory.
On December 13, 2023, Kenny became a Donor Hero following a tragic bicycle accident. In life, Kenny was known for his compassion, generosity, and humor. As a registered organ donor, he gave the ultimate gift—donating his heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and pancreas, saving the lives of five individuals ranging in age from 30 to 75.
The Big Walkowski began as a three-on-three basketball tournament for comedians. Now in its eighth year, the tournament has evolved into a beloved event on New York City’s social calendar—bringing together community, creativity, and cause. This event is dedicated to celebrating Kenny’s extraordinary life and his life-saving gift.
We invite you to support this special tribute by making a donation or forming a fundraising team in Kenny’s honor. All proceeds will benefit the LiveOnNY Foundation, whose mission is to educate communities about the importance of organ donation and to provide compassionate support for donor families and transplant recipients.
Your contribution is 100% tax deductible and will directly support programming that upholds the legacy of donor heroes like Kenny.
Join us in honoring Kenny’s legacy.
Support the gift of life.
If you are in the NY Metropolitan Area the event will be held:
Saturday, September 6, 2025
11:00 am
American Playground, Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
*On site sign up will be avaialable.*
LiveOnNY is a federally designated organ procurement organization (OPO) dedicated to saving lives, providing comfort, and strengthening legacies through organ, eye, and tissue donation. It was established in 1978 to serve a culturally and ethnically diverse population of 13 million residents in New York City, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Orange, Putnam, Dutchess, and Rockland. Together, we work closely with donor hospitals and transplant centers to help increase the number of lives saved in New York through public awareness and medical education about the lifesaving and life-enhancing benefits of organ and tissue donation and transplantation.