On the Town: Animal supporters fete honorees
During this season of celebrations, more than 600 animal lovers from Burbank, Toluca Lake and surrounding areas came together to celebrate the joy that stems from the relationships shared with companion pets as Actors and Others for Animals staged its “Joy to the Animals” fundraiser and awards luncheon last Sunday.
Held at the Universal City Hilton and Towers, the highlight of the day saw awards of recognition bestowed upon actress Loretta Swit of “M*A*S*H” fame, who serves on the organization’s board, longtime “Hollywood Squares” host Peter Marshall and his wife, Laurie, and ABC7 Eyewitness News entertainment reporter George Pennacchio and his wife Erin.
“I’m proud of the work our honorees do, and that we all do to care for our animal companions who share our homes and hearts,” said JoAnne Worley, president of Actors and Others for Animals, as she welcomed the crowd.
Presented with the Paul Jolly Award of Caring by Lily Tomlin, given in recognition of the compassionate care for animals, the Pennacchios were lauded for their dedicated, two-decade-plus work in greyhound rescue.
The same award, given in remembrance of the late Paul Jolly, who headed up the Petco Foundation, was given to the Marshalls for their longstanding support of the work of Actors and Others for Animals.
Swit, an Emmy Award-winning actress best known for her portrayal of Maj. Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan, was accompanied to Sunday’s event by two of her “M*A*S*H” co-stars, Jamie Farr and Mike Farrell.
Having been recognized by animal protection organizations around the world for her work as an activist, Swit was presented with the Betty White Inspirational Award, which is given to those who have shown exceptional personal and public commitment to the well-being of animals and prompted awareness of their protection and care.
Among the notables at the luncheon that was co-hosted by comedians Paula Poundstone and Jay Johnson were Susan Taylor, executive director of Actors and Others for Animals, the organization’s core staff members, Beverly Berger, Sybil Esparza, Laura Lanza, Michelle Norris, Stephanie Parke, June Taylor and Pitsa Vidiaktis, actor Ed Asner, best-known for his role of Lou Grant, television personality Sarah Purcell, and Jackie Lewis, president of the Burbank-based Jacqueline Lewis Productions.
The oldest animal welfare organization in Los Angeles, Actors and Others for Animal was founded in 1971 by the late actor Richard Basehart and his wife Diana. The group’s core mission is to eliminate pet overpopulation and ensure proper care and protection of companion animals
Funds raised at last week’s event will help the nonprofit continue its work educating the public about proper pet care and to provide spay, neuter and veterinary assistance to low- or fixed-income companion-animal guardians.
For more information about the work of Actors and Others for Animals, visit its website at actorsandothers.com.
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DAVID LAURELL may be reached by email at dlaurell@aol.com or (818) 563-1007.
