Funds Will Aid Africa’s Hungry : Celebrity Sports Benefit Set Sunday in Anaheim

A benefit to raise money to help fight hunger in Africa, co-sponsored by the Orange County African Relief Fund and the Orange County Sports Arena, will be Sunday at the Sports Arena, 2131 W. Lincoln Ave. in Anaheim.

During the benefit, which will begin at noon and run throughout the day, the public will have an opportunity to compete in a variety of sports and games with several billiards champions and sports and television personalities. All proceeds will be donated to the Orange County African Relief Fund.

Scheduled to participate in the benefit are KABC-TV personalities Harold Greene, Joanne Ishimine, Ted Dawson, Ed Arnold and Karen LaPierre; Rams players Johnny Johnson and Nolan Cromwell, and five members of the Rams cheerleading squad. They will compete with guests in events such as “whirleyball” (basketball played in bumper cars), billiards, arcade games and other games of skill.

Ron “Fast Eddie” Allen, who was portrayed by Paul Newman in the movie “The Hustler” and who is a resident billiards pro at the Orange County Sports Arena, will perform exhibitions throughout the day with Robin Hansen-Bell, another resident pro and top money winner at the 1984 women’s pro tour. They also will accept challenges from guests donating $20 or more to the Relief Fund.

The Orange County African Relief Fund was formed by David Stein, president of the Stein-Brief Group, and partner Barry Brief, in response to a hunger strike staged by several UC Irvine students to bring attention to the plight in Ethiopia.

The fund so far has raised more than $100,000 and plans to challenge the counties of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego to do the same.

Further information about the benefit is available by calling the Orange County African Relief Fund at 859-6995.