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 Sunday, December 6, 2009Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa Rancho Mirage, California Story and photos by Pat Krause For more Pat Krause photos of this event, click here. The 14th Annual Golf Classic Dennis James Gala was held at Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa in Ranch Mirage, near Palm Springs, Calif., on Sunday, Dec.6. Dennis James; actor, announcer and host of many game shows and variety shows; was involved with United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) for 47 years. He was the host of the UCP telethon that raised more than $700 million. He was awarded the Humanitarian of the Year in 1965, which was presented to him by the former President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Since his passing, his wife Micki James has continued his dream. Micki, his family and all his friends have been there to help keep this event ongoing. The gala raises funds for people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.  The evening started with a cocktail hour and silent auction. Guests would watch the item they bid on to make sure they had the highest big before the auction closed. Dinner was served and the Master of Ceremonies was Jim “Fitz” Fitzgerald.Dennis James’ son Brad James read an emotional poem his father loved. Greg Wetmore announced the Monday golf tournament at Mission Hills Country Club. A Dennis James UCP video was shown while guests ate.  After diner, everyone was entertained by the comedy and music of Gary Mule Deer. Gary's unique performance has been seen on television more than 350 times. He had been on “The Tonight Show” and “David Letterman” many times. He has performed on the “Grand Ole Opry Stage” and last Jan. 10, he appeared at Carnegie Hall. Gary has shared the stage with many top names in show business. He has a great voice and has used it to sing the music of Johnny Cash for more than 40 years. Celebrities play in the Golf Tournament that was held on Monday following the Gala. Approximately 20 have been involved with the golf and gala for a many years to support UCP. The golf tournament has been an important part of this event.Golf this year was played at Mission Hills Country Club on the Palmer Course. A shotgun at 8 a.m. was followed by a barbecue luncheon and awards ceremony. The Dennis James Center United Cerebral Palsy of the Inland Empire (UCPIE) is “Advancing the Mission.” UCPIE continues to serve hundreds of children with cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, mental retardation and disabilities. One of the major missions is to provide the caregiver and much-needed rest away from the day-to-day care that must be given. The family can know their children are well taken care of for the short time they can be away to take care of other tasks. This has been a difficult year, as the state budget has impacted many charities. UCPIE lost $240,000, which affected many programs they provide. Grants and foundation requests along with private donations are being sought to help continue the programs they can service now. They have had to end many programs and that leaves people with disabilities without the help they need. For more Pat Krause photos of this event, click here. For more information about United Cerebral Palsy of the Inland Empire, click here. |
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