On any given day, one can ride through downtown Jamestown and see the mural depicting Lucy Ricardo (Lucille Ball) testing “Vitameatavegamin”. It is a little known fact that “Vitameatavegamin,” the health tonic Lucy promoted in a TV commercial featured in one of the “I Love Lucy” episodes–included vitamins, meat, vegetables and minerals and 23% alcohol. The episode is a classic.

 

…and so was Lucille Ball. On August 6^th, Lucy would have been 97 years old.  To celebrate the “Queen of Comedy’s” birthday, the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center will be hosting a variety of events next weekend. The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation would like to extend their best wishes to the Center which has kept the laughter going and to encourage the public to participate in the events of the upcoming weekend. 

 

It has been over 50 years since the last episode of the “I Love Lucy” show was aired, but her spirit of being honest through humor has ranked her as the number one female comedian of all time. Today, the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center is committed to preserve and celebrate the legacy of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz and enrich the world through the healing powers of love and laughter. 

 

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation is also committed to keeping her legacy alive by providing financial support for the many projects the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center has undertaken through the years. For example, in order to care for and add significant Lucy–Desi artifacts to the Center’s collection, the Foundation has generously designated funds to acquire and maintain the wonderful pieces entrusted to the Center’s care.

 

The Community Foundation has also collaborated with the Downtown Jamestown “I Love Lucy” Wall Mural projects and with educational programs sponsored by the Center, as well as administering the recently established the Lucille Ball Scholarship Fund.

 

It looks like the weekend of August 1–3 is going to be an exciting one for our area, as the Center celebrates Lucille Ball’s birthday. Don’t miss the fun.   Make the time to visit downtown Jamestown during this birthday celebration. The laughter and the fun is our heritage. It’s all here in Jamestown. Make plans to join the festivities!

 

Lucy, we love you!   The laughter you have brought to us will live on, and the Foundation is proud to contribute to the Center’s continued success.

 

If you would like to support your favorite organization, contact the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation office to discuss establishing a designated fund which will provide support for generations to come. CRCF’s telephone number is 661-3390 or go to our website at: wwwcrcfonline.org.