Ann-Margret to be honored at Steve Chase Awards
September 25, 2009
Ann-Margret, one of the major stars of film and musical theater, will receive the Arts and Activism Award at the 2010 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards Gala Feb. 27 at the Palm Springs Convention Center, it was announced today.
The black tie awards gala, presented by Integrated Wealth Management, is one of the two largest charity fundraisers of the social season, along with the Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala.
Ann-Margret was discovered by George Burns and made her film debut playing Bette Davis’s daughter in “A Pocketful of Miracles.” Her featured role in “Bye-Bye Birdie” has recently been incorporated into the plot line of the Emmy Award-winning series, “Mad Men.” She also co-starred opposite Elvis Presley in “Viva Las Vegas” and was romantically linked to the rock icon who was considered her “mirror image.”
Ann-Margret won five Golden Globe Awards and was nominated for two Academy Awards for her portrayal of Bobby Templeton in “Carnal Knowledge” and Nora Walker in the rock film, “Tommy.”
She has garnered six Emmy nominations for her work in a variety of TV specials and movies, and was voted Song and Dance Star of the Year by the American Guild of Variety Artists. She was nominated for a Grammy for her CD, “God is Love: The Gospel Sessions.”
She’s especially remembered for her dramatic performance in the TV movie “Our Sons,” playing a mother who realizes her rage and rejection toward her son has been a waste now that he lies dying of AIDS.
Ann-Margret has long lent her talents to charitable causes, including for those with HIV/AIDS.
She is the national chairperson for the Myasthenia Gravis Division of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and was a national spokesperson for “What 60 Looks Like Now,” a campaign to educate women about osteoporosis.
To purchase tickets for the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards, call (760) 323-2118, ext. 266 or visit
www.desertaidsproject.org. All net proceeds from the gala will benefit Desert AIDS Project, the organization supporting people living with HIV and AIDS.
Other Steve Chase Award winners, presenters, entertainers and hosts will be announced in the coming months.