by Norm Johnson Send Me E-mail

There is a small storm brewing over our little village, consisting of two different organization, former board members and members. The two entities are The CAST Inc. and the Las Vegas Walk of Stars (stars placed in the sidewalk). Both groups (there are no squabbles between the two separate groups) have been around a few years, with the CAST the elder statesmen of the pair. Let me give you readers a little bit of history here.

First off, the CAST was originally created by a group of entertainers headed by Nelson Sardelli, a true humanitarian and a man who has been entertaining around the world for more than 45 years. It was created with the simple intent of raising funds to help other entertainers, who for various reasons had fallen on hard times. It does happen folks, more than you know! I have no idea what the by-laws have to say on the subject of who can be a board member or who can't. I do know, however, at one time the board consisted of very well known and highly respected entertainers such as Freddie Bell (on stage for more than 50 years), Frankie Randall (on stage for more than 40 years), Buddy Greco (on stage for more than 45 years), Carme (40 years) and the list goes on. The group used to stage a luncheon about once a month or every six weeks at a hotel/casino. Entertainment was given freely by the membership. If you were a member or a board member you paid for the lunch ($20). Everyone paid! If you were not a member you paid ($5.00 more) and got the lunch, etc. Over the years a few galas were also held to honor certain individuals such as Tony Curtis, The Platters, etc. A special price was set for these events. After paying the cost for the lunches, galas, etc., the money (if any profits were made) was put in an account and earmarked for those in need. The galas, for the most part, were a break-even event. The luncheons usually made a few bucks, and I can remember when the room would be filled to the rafters (just a saying folks).

A lot of money was raised over the years. Free food was delivered to various people, an electric wheel chair was presented to a lady who had entertained the world, but was now in need of help. A few entertainers (perhaps not as well known to the masses) were buried (or cremated) with the CAST paying the bills. Rents were paid for those who had nearly lost everything. Christmas baskets were delivered every year. These things were done without any fanfare. But they were done!

I have no factual information on what happened to create the turmoil that has been (and continues to broil over) between former board members, present board members and the one time non-entertainers membership, which numbered a couple hundred (I was told different stories by a few members, but not enough proof to print what they told me).

Membership, by the way, was $150 a year and went right into the pot. Lifetime memberships were $1,000 and went right into the pot. That's how the pot was able to help those in need. I understand that there is around $14,000 in the pot as of this writing, and that the membership is at about 40 (including lifetime members). Some members are saying they think the group should be disbanded, with the funds going to another entertainment charity. Others are demanding an accounting and asking for a new election of board members, wishing to see the group return to doing its good work.

I personally think there is hope for the CAST, but only if they end the squabbling and think, not of themselves, but of those who need the help. It is not too late. Put personal ambitions, vengeance or dislike for certain people aside. If you can't do that then there is no hope. Just an opinion of one who really used to enjoy going to those luncheons and galas and writing about them.

Now as to the Walk of Stars. I know very little about this organization, I will admit. But, as a citizen of this town for 45 years, I should know more than I do. First off there is a belief around town that when a person gets a Star they have really done something for the city. Not always so, I have discovered. I read through the nomination list and there are some very interesting names, with most deserving a star. There are, however, names not on the nomination list that are supposedly getting stars because they can pay the $15,000. Now do you feel that is the right criteria? I do not! If they are not on the list, why are they getting stars?

There are entertainers who did more for this city and the Las Vegas Strip that can't pay the $15,000 because they are dead. Their families (the committee has actually gone to a member of the families) feel that the Stars should be placed for these men and ladies free of charge. And I agree with them! If the names of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Joey Bishop, Jayne Mansfield, Robert Goulet, etc. aren't being honored, because their families don't want to pay, then the organization should go out and beat the drums for funds, so these great entertainers can take their rightful place on the Las Vegas Strip.

At the present time (I didn't actually count the names) I would say there are over 800 names on the list. Most are deserving -- Andre Agassi, Muhammad Ali, The Ames Brothers, Judy Garland, Paul Anka, Betty Grable, Donald O'Connor, Pearl Bailey, Mitzi Gaynor are just a few I picked out. But there are names on that list I never personally heard of. In my 45 years here, I don't believe they even worked here, let alone done something so grand for our village that they deserve a Star of Honor.

Entertainers give of their time and their money to help people in need all the time. Yet, they are being told that if they want to be honored they have to pay for it. That is wrong in my opinion. The Hollywood Walk of Fame Stars cost somewhere around $22,000 today. And even if you have that kind of money you do not just automatically qualify for a star. No sir'ee! You have to be nominated (a very rigid criteria) to begin with, and then voted upon secondly. And you MUST have a sponsor! I mean not just anyone can get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. And they have a pot they use for those who have passed on and are deserving of a Star.

The questions I have are: What are the actual cost of the Star, plaque and digging up the cement square and placing the star in the cement? What and where does the remaining funds go? Who pays for the party? Does anyone get paid from the organization for their time, effort, etc? Just an inquiring mind asking a few questions. And, gang, if I get the answers you'll read it here, I promise.

So, now you know the rest of the story for this week.

I'm outa here!

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