Everyone knows Gloria Greer is a journalist, TV host and producer. Fewer know without her, there would be no ACT for Multiple Sclerosis, which provides life-enriching programs free of charge. Under her leadership, AC for MS provides life-enriching programs free of charge. the vibrant organization has grown over the years from helping a dozen clients with multiple sclerosis to nearly 100.
In 1999, Gloria founded ACT for MS along with Peggy Cravens, Diane Marlin-Dirkx, Jackie Lee Houston, and Norma Greer, Gloria’s daughter, who has the incurable disease. c
She still plays a vital role chairing annual events and seeking financial support for the organization. And she does it well! ACT for MS has raised more than $5,000,000, which has directly benefited local residents with multiple sclerosis. Gloria is credited with many philanthropic “firsts.” She and Merv Griffin created the Christmas Tree Lane fundraiser; she and Zetta Castle created ACT for MS’s Literary Salons in private homes – the first non-profit to do so.
Back in the 1990s, MS patients were told by physicians to accept the fact that they would be inactive for life. Today, valley neurologists refer their patients to ACT for Multiple Sclerosis because of programs that directly help clients lead fuller and more productive lives.
In addition to ACT for MS, Gloria has assisted dozens of local organizations. She was on the original board of the Friends of the Philharmonic, was founding president of Child Help USA’s local chapter and was a Capital Campaign Committee member at the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert. Other organizations she has assisted are Junior League of the Desert, the Palm Springs Air Museum, Palm Springs Cultural Commission, and Opera Showcase of the Desert. In her position as society editor of Palm Springs Life and as host of her own PBS television shows, she constantly promotes local charities.
Hats off to the tiny dynamo who has meant so much to our community for the past 50+ years.
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2020-11-09