An unlikely pairing that lasted some 20 years will once again be fruitful for a local nonprofit organization that works with low- and moderate- income residents as well as homeless residents in Venice.
On April 9 the Venice Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club will host an auction of clothing donated to the Vera Davis McClendon Youth and Family Center by actress Zsa Zsa Gabor. The event takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. (viewing begins at 1 p.m.) at The Electric Lodge, 1416 Electric Ave. in Venice.
Ideally, proceeds from the auction of some 285 items, including several dresses the actress wore at the Oscars, will create a perpetual fund to help the center purchase toiletries, blankets and other items that will help people in perilous times, explained Cliff McClain, center manager.
The center is a closed city library that was refurbished and named after Davis-McClendon, a tenacious and life-long advocate for the underprivileged.
Gabor and Davis-McClendon, who is now deceased, met when the television star was assigned to complete 180 hours of community service for slapping a Beverly Hills police officer. When the judge was about to slap Gabor with an additional 160 days because he did not like what the entertainer was doing for community service.
Davis-McClendon apparently told the judge I don’t need her to clean my toilets or mop my floors. I need her to raise money for me. Those comments cemented the partnership and the two began a relationship that continues for the center today.
There is no charge for admission to the auction, and if you have questions contact (310) 305-1865.
