ACT for MS held it 15th annual Spring Gala at the Renaissance Esmeralda Emerald Ballroom on March 16th. This years honoree was writer, TV hostess, editor, interview expert and society editor for Palm Springs Life Magazine, Gloria Greer. A Roast and Toast was planned for Greer, the founder of ACT for MS, Multiple Sclerosis, by her friends and celebrities.
The Roast was started by Comedian Scott Record who was unable to be there but provided a fun video for the crowd. Actress Carol Channing spoke graciously about Gloria after a few cute barbs. Another Friend Kaye Ballard told a few jokes about Gloria before thanking her for all her good works in the Valley. Locals Karen Devine and Rich Tarpening from KESQ TV, Gary Hall From Wells Fargo Bank and Palm Springs Life Magazine owner Milt Jones all made comments about her age before extolling on the many good things each had encountered while they knew her. They had all learned a lot from Gloria and felt she had mentored them in some way.
Good Friend and actress Ruta Lee sang a couple songs for her and called her, a Little Sister, as they have know each other for years. Author Andrew Neiderman and his wife did a skit where Gloria interviewed Gloria. Others teased her about interviewing Long Dead celebrities. Pianist Bill Marx has been a friend for a long time as they are at the same galas a lot during the year.
The final Celebrity to Roast and Toast Gloria was Singer Jack Jones who also sang a song to her. Gloria sat on a chair in the middle of the stage while all her friends did a roast and then a toast to her.
Gloria spoke to the guests and told them she was so thrilled to be able to be honored this way. Gloria said it was her daughter Norma that contracted MS and asked her mother to start something to help those struggling with the disease and finding it hard to make ends meet. Gloria thanked all the guests who have contributed so much to the ACT for MS that helps people with utilities, physical therapy and medical supplies they need.
