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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
Jan 5, 2009 - 8:24:33 PM |
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Veterans’ champion Connie Stevens special guest
Blackanthem Military News, BRANSON, Missouri - Motion picture, television and Broadway star, recording artist, business professional, filmmaker and humanitarian, Connie Stevens will be in Branson in May to honor women veterans during the third annual Womens Veterans Week.
"She has truly earned the title of a ‘Woman for all Seasons.’ Connie Stevens is a great humanitarian and supporter of veterans’ causes. We are pleased she has agreed to be our guest. When she says of veterans that they are her favorite Americans it comes from her heart," said Mary Slivka, chair of the Women Veterans Committee of the Branson Veterans Task Force (BVTF).
"Because of her work for veterans Ms. Stevens has been honored by the Vietnam Veterans Association of America and has received The Decoration for Distinguished Civilian Service from the United States Armed Forces, the highest honor that can be given to a civilian. Many will remember her as having toured with Bob Hope around the world with the USO, at every major base, numerous hospitals and military venues. She has given of her time whenever needed from Korea to Vietnam to the Persian Gulf. She is one of Veterans Across America's all time favorites," Slivka said.
As a film maker, Stevens produced and directed "A Healing," an award-winning feature film documentary dedicated to the women, and the young warriors they attended to, who served in the U.S./Vietnam conflict. "A Healing" follows a three-week reunion journey through Vietnam of 100 women in 1995, who served in this conflict three decades ago. Proceeds from the film will go to several veterans’ charities.
Considered one of the 500 top female executives in the United States, Stevens has owned and operated the company that she created, Forever Spring, for 18 years. Her cosmetic empire has over 300 popular products that include skin care, make up, hair care items, and fragrances. Forever Spring has a clientele of over three million women across the country. Earnings from the Home Shopping Network alone grossed over $1 billion.
In addition, Stevens has developed programs to provide college scholarships for Native Americans; help the mentally and physically challenged; fight cancer; support women health issues; that greatly impacted "Don't Drink and Drive" and to build the first resort hotel for children and young adults with special needs. For her tireless work and support of others, Stevens has been honored and received the 1991 Lady of Humanities award from the Shriners Hospital and the Humanitarian of the Year by the Sons of Italy in Washington, DC
Stevens first sang in a group at age 16, and was the first artist signed on with Warner Brothers Records. Many will remember her from her hit "Kookie Kookie (Lend Me Your Comb)," a duet with Ed "Kookie" Burns of the TV series "77 Sunset Strip." It was her role as "Cricket Blake" in the hit TV series "Hawaiian Eye" that made Stevens a household name. She also starred with George Burns in "Wendy and Me," and had roles in "Starting from Scratch," "Scruples", "Bring Me the Head of Dobie Gillis," "Murder She Wrote," "The Love Boat" and "Titus."
In films, she appeared with Troy Donahue in "Parish" and "Palm Springs Weekend;" "Grease 2" starring Maxwell Caulfield and Michelle Pfieffer; "Back to the Beach" with Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon; "Tapeheads" starring Tim Robins and John Cusack; "James Dean Race with Destiny" and "Mickey Stern."
She was Neil Simon's "Star Spangled Girl" on Broadway, co-starring Anthony Perkins and Dick Benjamin. Having performed for four U.S. Presidents at the White House and the Kennedy Center, Stevens headlines in Las Vegas and performs in live concerts in Atlantic City, New York, Los Angeles and other major concert venues worldwide.
Stevens says her crowning achievement, and the pride and joy of her life, are her daughters Joely and Tricia Leigh Fisher, from her marriage to Eddie Fisher.
Stevens will be the guest at various events throughout Women Veterans Week and the guest speaker at the banquet at the White House Theatre on May 19.
Among the week of events are a daily Hospitality and Welcome Center at the host hotel, the Settle Inn, a Meet and Greet Reception and a Rise and Shine with the Army All Women Combo Band. An All About You exposition will feature information, beauty products, books and much more including Ms. Stevens’ line, Forever Spring.
Specifically planned days include a miniature golf tournament at Grand Country Square and visits to the Titanic and America’s Presidency museums. A scenic guided motorcoach tour of the Ozarks will include a visit to the College of the Ozarks and Stone Hill Winery. The group will attend command performances of the Branson Brothers with Doug Gabriel and The Dalena Ditto County Variety Show along with the Braschlers and Justin Flom’s Magic Parlor.
The first women’s veterans event was held in November of 2004 where the announcement was made that Branson annually would honor women veterans with their own special week. Slivka recalled it was just prior to Veterans Day in 2004, when Branson Mayor Lou Schaefer proclaimed the third week in May as Women Veterans Week. In his proclamation Schaefer spoke of the need to pay homage to all American women who are military veterans and who presently serve in active duty throughout the world. He noted that 1.2 million American women have served in the armed forces of the United States, with more than 23,700 of them from Missouri. Thousands of women throughout the country's history paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives while serving in the armed forces. Always voluntary, the service, contributions and sacrifices of women veterans have been vital in defending the freedom and way of life enjoyed by the people of the United States, he said.
"Women veterans are encouraged to bring their reunions and families to Branson anytime, but especially during this special week," said Slivka. "The Women Veterans Committee is working hard to make this week grow and have added events to this year’s schedule."
Women’s Veterans Week is just one of many community service projects sponsored by BVTF and its partners. The task force works to promote an environment of patriotic pride and dignity to recognize and honor the nation's veterans and their families. For more information about women’s week or to register e-mail babsriggle@suddenlink.net. For more information contact Barb Riggle, committee member and a member of the BVTF board of directors, at the BVTF, P.O. Box 126, Branson, MO 65615 or call 417-337-VETS. See the web site bransonwomenveterans.com for up-dated information. The BVTF office is located at 138 Pointe Royale Drive Suite 0 (Helms Building) in Branson.
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