Entertainment
YOU ARE INVITED TO AN EXCLUSIVE JAMES BOND “AFFAIR”
By Ruta Lee
Sep 23, 2007 - 6:33:15 AM

007 for 007… a must attend event by The Thalians, celebrating their 52^nd year of support and service to the cause of mental health, at the annual Gala, October 21^st at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Each year they select an honoree that is known, not only for their achievement in entertainment, but for their charitable activities as well.

This year the honoree is Sir Roger Moore. Sir Roger is known to all of us by a variety of names…“Bond… James Bond”, “The Saint”, “007”, and many others as a result of a long, varied and successful career. Moore is also well known for his service to UNICEF. Sir Roger will also receive his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on October 10^th at 11:30 AM.

Like the honoree many of Hollywood’s hottest stars, found precious time to give The Thalians in wholehearted support of helping children, adults and seniors to overcome mental disorder. Lucille Ball, Rita Hayworth, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Burt Bacharach, Sammy Davis, Dean Martin, Phyllis Diller, Lena Horn, Sally Fields are but a few of the legends that have helped The Thalians in their fight against mental disease.

Debbie Reynolds became president of the Thalians some 50 years ago following Hugh O’Brien then Margaret Whiting and followed by Donald O’Conner then Ruta Lee. Since then she has continued as either President or Chairman…Roles she exchanged with Ruta occasionally for the last 50 years. Very few have dedicated their lives to helping others as these two have. Bravo! Together, we took great pride in opening the doors of The Thalians Mental Health Center, the first building to be erected at Cedars-Sinai Medical Complex in Los Angeles.

The Gala will be a star-studded extravaganza featuring the Bond girls, the hilarious Howie Mandel presiding over the live auction assisted by his sexy deal girls, a sizzling performance by Neil Sedaka, and a number or two by your hostesses, Debbie and Ruta. This exciting evening is underwritten by two very beautiful and exciting ladies, Eileen O’Neill of TV and films-and so successful in real estate-and Margie Petersen, also of TV and movie fame-and wife of belated Thalians founder, publisher Robert E. Petersen. We are so grateful for their loving generosity through many years.

The silent auction will be a great Christmas shopping spot with categories like dining, travel, lodging, jewelry, household goods, sports and Hollywood memorabilia available.