Charity Scorecard

Robert Wagner was among the 400 guests who gathered to dedicate stars in the sidewalk to 12 people or couples who have donated more than $100,000 over the years to the Cedars-Sinai’s Thalians Mental Health Center in Los Angeles. More than $10,000 was raised at the Aug. 30 Walk of Stars dedication. Those honored with their names in the sidewalk outside the mental health center were Debbie Reynolds, Ruta Lee, Margie and Bob Petersen, Paula Kent Meehan, Sandra Krause, Cynthia Gershman, Robert H. Lorsch, Donna and John Crean, Gloria and John Gebbia, Kem Dibbs, Mitzi Hughes and Linda Tallen and David Paul Kane. The dedication of the stars also kicked off the 25th anniversary celebration of the Thalians Mental Health Center. Also attending were Monty Hall, Jane Withers, Barbi Benton, Anne Jeffreys, Cedars-Sinai Board Chairman Robert Silverstein, campaign chairman Irving Feintech and Cedars-Sinai President Thomas M. Priselac. Phyllis Friedman chaired the event. The Thalians was founded 43 years ago by Reynolds and friends. The group has raised more than $28 million over the years to support the mental health center.

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The Assistance League of Southern California Pre-School Auxiliary’s 15th annual “Golden Mallet Polo Tournament” Aug. 23 raised $45,000 for the Learning Center for Young Children. About 320 people enjoyed a gourmet luncheon while watching the polo matches at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. Four teams competed: the United States versus England and Argentina versus Brazil. England won (10-5), as did Argentina (12-9). The event was chaired by Beverly Thrall, Gloria Holden and her daughter, Geannie Holden Sheller. The Learning Center for Young Children provides day care and curriculum for low-income children up to age 6 and is one of nine community services operated by the Assistance League of Southern California.

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Indy / CART racing star Bryan Herta and racing legend Parnelli Jones were among the 200 guests who raised $25,000 Aug. 22 at Harbor-UCLA Collegium’s “Race for Research,” the collegium’s first major fund-raising event. The money will go to medical research and education programs at the Harbor-UCLA Research and Education Institute in Torrance. The “Race for Research,” held at the Peyton Cramer Ford dealership in Torrance, was catered by chef Michael Shafer of Depot restaurant and featured music by Ronnie & the Classics, dancing, a strolling magician, scale-model car races, gourmet food and a silent auction. Also in attendance were the institute’s new president and chief executive, Dr. Daniel Hollander, the institute’s board chairman, Dr. Marvin Kaplan and the institute’s executive vice president, Bill Steers.

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Has your group held a charity fund-raiser recently? Let us know about it. We will report on selected local benefit projects and events. Please tell us about your organization and the charity you support, how much you raised, how the charity uses your gift and the details of your event--what, when and where. Send a letter or news release to Social Sunday, Life & Style, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053, or fax to (213) 237-4888.