Actress Betty White, a long-time friend of Guide Dogs for the Blind, along with L.A.Southwest members and dozens of puppies-in-training, sold out to capacity the Birnam Wood Golf Club at a fundraiser for GDB.
The October 24, 2010 event featured a treat for all who attended, with wine and hors d’oeuvres beautifully served. There were many well-behaved dogs on the patio and a few guides sitting quietly with their blind owners, listening to Morgan Watkins, Interim CEO of GDB.
Barry Fanaro, writer of 102 episodes of “Golden Girls”, introduced the beloved comedienne. At that point she entered the room and everyone stood and cheered. “I feel I’m coming home here”, Ms. White responded, resulting in even more applause.
Of the dogs that don’t make it through training and into the hands of the visually impaired, Ms White said, “They used to say some dogs flunk the training. These dogs do not flunk out – they have a career change.” Ms White adopted a career changed golden retriever, Pontiac, and he is the love of her life.
The star was gracious, and wickedly funny in answering questions without a script. She also patiently waited as the long line of guests had their photos taken with her for a $1,000 donation to Guide Dogs for the Blind. The money raised goes to the local programs in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties.
Excerpts from Lorraine Wilson, Santa Barbara News Press
