The Thalians is a charitable organization dedicated to mental health causes. [1] It was founded by Hollywood actors in 1955, and takes its name from Thalia, Greek Muse of comedy and idyllic poetry. [2] [3]
Over 60 years, the Thalians held Annual Galas, honoring a Mr. or Ms. Wonderful with an award designed by Walt Disney. The coveted trophy is given to a member of the entertainment industry not only for their work on stage and screen but also for their behind-the-scenes philanthropy. A partial list of the honorees includes Frank Sinatra, Mary Martin, Lana Turner, Ed Sullivan, Shirley MacLaine, Gene Kelly, Sammy Davis, Jr., Lucille Ball, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, James Stewart, Rita Hayworth, Count Basie, Liza Minnelli, Carol Channing, Carol Burnett, Sally Field, Mary Tyler Moore, Whoopi Goldberg, Red Buttons, Clint Eastwood, Mickey Rooney, Kenny Rogers, Hugh Hefner, and Smokey Robinson. [1] [4]
They used to be connected with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. [5] [6] [7]
The Thalians current focus is the mental health of the military men and women and their families of UCLA Operation Mend. The President Emeritus of the organization was the late Debbie Reynolds. [1] [4] Current President is Kira Reed Lorsch, Past President: Debbie Reynolds Chairman: Dr. Irwin Lehrhoff, Chairwoman Emeritus: Ruta Lee, Treasurer: Andrew McDonald, Recording Secretary: Stephanie J. Hibler, Board Members: Frank Sheftel, Brian Theobald, Barbara Cohen-Wolfe & Larry Wolfe, Patrika Darbo, David Snowden, and George Pennacchio. The Board of Governors: William & Patricia Anton, Sandy Krause, Dr. Lawrence Piro, Jackie Rosenberg.
The Thalians library of documented Thalians Galas is being preserved at the Academy Film Archive. [1] [8]
It is headquartered in Mission Hills, California. [9] The Thalians now mainly supports mental health programs for wounded military men and women and their families of UCLA Operation Mend.
Mary Frances "Debbie" Reynolds was an American actress, singer, and businesswoman. Her career spanned almost 70 years. She was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Newcomer for her portrayal of Helen Kane in the 1950 film Three Little Words. Her breakout role was her first leading role, as Kathy Selden in Singin' in the Rain (1952). Her other successes include The Affairs of Dobie Gillis (1953), Susan Slept Here (1954), Bundle of Joy, The Catered Affair, and Tammy and the Bachelor (1957), in which her performance of the song "Tammy" reached number one on the Billboard music charts. In 1959, she released her first pop music album, titled Debbie.
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The University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine—known as the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (DGSOM)—is an accredited medical school located in Los Angeles, California, United States. The school was renamed in 2001 in honor of media mogul David Geffen who donated $200 million in unrestricted funds. Founded in 1951, it is the second medical school in the UC system, after the UCSF School of Medicine.
Rachel Annetta Robinson is the widow of professional baseball player Jackie Robinson, as well as an American former professor and registered nurse.
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Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center is a hospital located on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles, in Westwood, Los Angeles, California, United States. It is currently ranked the 5th best hospital in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, and 2nd best in California and the West Coast. The hospital provides tertiary care to Los Angeles and the surrounding communities.
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