Debbie has had an ongoing role in a star-studded cast since the mid-1950s, as one of the founding members of The Thalians charitable organization, which benefits the cause of mentally disturbed children. She describes The Thalians beginning as a group of show people – Robert Wagner, Natalie Wood, Hugh O’Brian, Jack Haley, Jr., David Wolper – who mingled socially and decided to use one of their gatherings for charity. Their efforts on behalf of the mentally impaired have raised millions of dollars, including funds for a special clinic at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.
Visit The Thalians’ official website to learn more about its history, past honorees, the annual ball, celebrity involvement and how you can help.
| LEADERSHIP | ||
| Chairwoman of the Board: | Ruta Lee | |
| President: | Debbie Reynolds | |
| Vice Chairperson: | Joe Altzman | |
| First Vice President: | Dick McInnes | |
| Second Vice President: | Shelley Hann | |
| Administrative Vice President: | Carmen Den Dekker | |
| V.P., Special Projects: | Frances Allen | |
| Treasurer: | Steven Gerber | |
| Recording Secretary: | Stephanie Hibler | |
| Corresponding Secretary: | Adriane Roger | |
| BOARD OF DIRECTORS | ||
|
Samantha Altzman |
Norman Dolin |
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| Nancy Conrad | Ida Myers | |
| Ben DePinto | Annette Pyes | |
| Scott DeShong | Leslee Scallon | |
| Gary Hann | Michael Trent | |
| Robert Bernard | ||
| AMBASSADORS | ||
| Ann-Margret | Sandra Krause | |
| Sybil Brand | Angela Lansbury | |
| Carol Burnett | Robert H. Lorsch | |
| Carol Channing | Shirley MacLaine | |
| Donna & John Crean | Paula Kent Meehan | |
| Sally Field | Ann Miller | |
| Jerold Franks | Liza Minnelli | |
| Gloria & John Gebbia | Hugh O’Brian | |
| Cynthia Gershman | Donald O’Connor | |
| Whoopi Goldberg | Margie & Bob Petersen | |
| Jack Haley, Jr. | Kenny Rogers | |
| June Haver | Marianne Rogers | |
| Charlton Heston | Peter Ustinov | |
| Bob Hope | Margaret Whiting | |
| Lena Horne | ||
| Van Johnson
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