He Pays Homage--and Money--to People of Action

Alan Gleitsman knew that he had something else to do once he sold his company. He knew the goal, he says, but not the route.

He wanted to give away some of his money to people who not only talked about positive change but actually went out and made it happen.

“I wanted to recognize people who make a difference, tell their story and make other people aware of what one person can do,” Gleitsman, 61, said in an interview at his Malibu home.

Gleitsman says he came from the poorest family in the richest section of Great Neck, Long Island. So even though he never had quite enough to make life feel secure, he observed what hard work and discipline brought to other people, and he never forgot it.

“I like work. I always feel I have accomplished something when I do a job well. My father died when I was 9, and I haven’t stopped working since,” Gleitsman said.

He did everything--raking leaves, delivering newspapers, selling magazine subscriptions and every other odd job a kid could talk himself into.

Gleitsman made his fortune through his television program distribution and licensing company. He was also in the right place when the home video syndication business was beginning to flourish.

“I was never good working in a large company because I wanted to make the decisions and suffer or enjoy the consequences,” he said.

Five years ago, he sold the company. Soon after, he sought the advice of philanthropist and international activist Stanley K. Sheinbaum, and the concept of the Gleitsman Foundation began to take shape. In 1989, it was formally organized and Gleitsman began awarding grants to people with a mission.

This is the third year the Gleitsman Foundation will award two $50,000 prizes--one to an individual whose work has changed life on a local (but not necessarily California) level and the other whose activities have national impact.

“This is not about doing good deeds,” Gleitsman says. “It’s about changing the way we live--they do it and we recognize them.”

One of the past honorees was Deborah C. McKeithan, founder of Handicapped Organized Women, the nation’s first such self-help group. She also founded the pioneering Handicapped Independent Men, Opportunity Plus and Learning How Inc.

McKeithan, who was left paralyzed, epileptic and legally blind as a result of a massive stroke, was determined to encourage the greatest possible self-respect and independence among the disabled.

Gleitsman is up at 6 a.m. going through mail, making phone calls and planning his day. He sits on the boards of four progressive organizations.

He has other interests as well. He is trying to start a program for preschool youngsters in San Fernando, has committed some foundation funds to the project and is trying to raise additional money from other contributors. He is involved in a school dropout prevention program and is looking for ways to promote the idea of senior citizens as teachers.

For more information write to: Gleitsman Foundation, P.O. Box 6888, Malibu, 90265. Telephone (310) 457-6199.

Bulletin Board

Musical Performance--The Felicia Mahood Senior Multipurpose Center will present a nightclub-style performance featuring singer Eve Cappello; 11338 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles; 1 p.m. today; information: (310) 479-4119 (donations accepted).

Holiday Dance--Temple Emanuel Singles 50-Plus will sponsor a gala holiday dance; 300 N. Clark Drive, Beverly Hills; 7:30 p.m. today; information: (310) 655-4684 ($6 members, $8 guests donation).

Music Class--The Felicia Mahood Center will present a music appreciation class; 11338 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles; 10 a.m. Friday; information: (310) 479-4119 (free).

Medicare Assistance--The Medicare Advocacy Project provides free education, counseling and legal services for Medicare beneficiaries and their families. For information, call (213) 614-0991.