Debbie and Ruta Lee opened the show with a dynamic "You Be Good To Mama" number in flamboyant costumes with lots of leg showing…which set the tone for the evening. A wonderful tribute to Donald O’Connor, former president and one of the founders, was presented. And the show began with Singer Jodi Benson performing "Johnny One Note" backed by the Lynn Keller Band.

Norm Crosby had the house in stitches with his humor. Followed by Jackie DeShannon performing the Bacharach and David hit, "What The World Needs Now". It was spell binding. And keeping it in the family, Joely Fisher (mother Connie Stevens was married to Debbie’s former husband, Eddie Fisher) singing "One Less Bell to Answer" and "God Give Me Strength" was mesmerizing.

Ruta, Debbie, and Phyllis Diller, last year’s Ms. Wonderful, presented Burt Bacharach with the Wonderful Award for his charitable and musical contributions. The handsome Burt graciously accepted the award by declaring he "has been honored many times in the past, however this was the most fun he’s ever had." A true compliment to all the hard working Thalians and volunteers.

Burt performed a concert with a "Bacharach Movie Medley". Some of the 800+ guests enjoying this extraordinary talent performing were Kathleen Hughes, Anne Jeffreys, Connie Stevens, Mitzi Gaynor, Hugh O’Brian, Peter Mark Richman, Pat VanPatton (Dick was home), and Rosemary Stack to name a few. Burt was joined on stage by Ron Isley, who performed some songs from their new album Here I Am, Isley Meets Bacharach.

Robert and Toni Holt Kramer served excellently as Ball Chairs; actor Fred Williamson and Connie Stevens drew the raffle; the auctioneer was Drew Donen. Dan Klemuk of The Greenbriar created the outstanding decorations. Spike Jones Jr. produced the show.

The silent and live auctions raised more than $85,000. And the evening netted more than $250,000. An after-show party followed and everyone stayed to party until the wee small hours.

And the party continued Sunday when Ruta and her husband, Webb Lowe, hosted an outstanding Sunday Brunch at the Century Plaza Hotel. Just the thought of the buffet makes me hungry…The beautiful white rose centerpieces, saved from the ball, decorated each table and the much needed umbrellas kept everyone cool as they hugged and greeted and complimented everyone on the wonderful ball.

Ruta and Webb have been hosting this after the ball Sunday Brunch for many, many years. They are generous hosts and see to everyone’s enjoyment. The food, the drinks…picture perfect. Ruta is currently rehearsing for Steel Magnolias, being produced by Garry Marshall, which is due to open November 1 in Garry Marshall’s Falcon Theatre in Burbank.

Although our Buccellati of Beverly Hills champagne soiree for The Thalians Presidents Club Honoring the Thalians 48^th Anniversary has passed, it was an exquisitely presented affair, hosted by the world-renowned jeweler and silversmith. A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the "Millennium Necklace", the largest piece ever created by Mr. Andrea Buccellati of Milan.

Upcoming is The Thalians’ Christmas party at the very luxurious Bel Air Country Club (chaired by valley resident Barbara Cohen) on Friday, December 12th. A genuine fun-filled evening with a delicious dinner, dancing and Santa checking everyone out if they were good or bad! Although limited, we welcome prospective new members to join us in the holiday fun. Cost and information are available at the Thalians’ office 310-423-1040. We hope you will join us.

Enjoy your turkey…and we’ll see you around the campus.