Larry King receives True Grit Award

People News

By April MacIntyre Mar 1, 2007, 19:57 GMT

Iconic CNN host and longtime reporter Larry King will receive the True Grit Award at the 22nd annual Odyssey Ball at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Larry King (UPI Photo/ Phil McCarten)

Larry King (UPI Photo/ Phil McCarten)The fundraising event will benefit the John Wayne Cancer Institute (JWCI) at Saint John's Health Center. The Odyssey Ball will take place Saturday evening, April 14th will be hosted
by acclaimed children's book author and actress, Jamie Lee Curtis. "Larry King epitomizes the strengths and qualities that characterized my
father, and for which the 'True Grit Award' was created - uncompromising
integrity and a commitment to the values of our great country," said Patrick
Wayne, Chairman of the Board of the John Wayne Cancer Institute."Larry is a committed family man, a tireless advocate for quality health
care and education, and a legendary media personality whose 50-year career
will have a lasting impact for generations to come. How fitting that in
2007, as we commemorate the centennial of my dad's birth, we also pay
tribute to another great American, Larry King, with this award." The recipient of last year's True Grit Award was former First Lady, Nancy
Reagan.According to publicist Jane Ayer, The John Wayne Cancer Institute was founded by the Wayne family in 1981 to honor the wishes of the beloved actor, who succumbed to stomach cancer in 1979, and to create a lasting legacy that would benefit people the world over. This year's Odyssey Ball also will recognize Joyce Green, Senior Vice President of Business Development for the Institute, with a Special Service Award, affectionately called The Duke, which is presented annually to an individual who has made extraordinary and lasting contributions in the fight against cancer, or has demonstrated their humanitarian spirit within the community. Past recipients include Kirk Douglas and Merv Griffin, among other philanthropists and activists.Those interested in attending the event or supporting the Institute's fundraising efforts may visit: www.jwci.org or phone the Auxiliary Information Line at: 310.829.8324.