Anderson to host Sinatra-themed benefit

PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Oct. 6 (UPI) -- Pamela Anderson is to serve as host of a Rat Pack-themed gala in Palm Springs, Calif., to benefit the Alzheimer's Association, organizers said.

"A Swingin' Affair," named after the late entertainer Frank Sinatra's 10th studio album, is to take place Dec. 11. In addition to raising money for charity, the event is intended to observe Sinatra's birthday, Dec. 12, 1915. He died in 1998 at age 82 of complications from dementia, heart and kidney disease, and bladder cancer.

"This is not your typical gala," organizers of "A Swingin' Affair" said in a statement Wednesday. "This is a lifestyle experience. They say, 'They don't party like they used to.' Well, we do. We are bringing back the decadence of Frank's lifestyle and putting it into three luxurious parties in one day and night, and if guests party like Frank did, the extravaganza could go into the next morning. This is all about honoring Frank's legacy, style, and swagger and helping a great organization in the process."

The festivities kick off with an afternoon cocktail hour at the Twin Palms estate where Sinatra lived with his first wife Nancy, then his second spouse, actress Ava Gardner. Canadian jazz artist Matt Dusk is to perform and cocktails and canapes will be served poolside.

The main gala is to take place at the posh Riviera Palm Springs Resort & Spa where Sinatra held many of his own lavish parties. Anderson will be on hand as the host of the night, which will feature performances by Frank Sinatra Jr. and his Big Band Orchestra, singer/pianist Daniel Joseph Baker and singer-actress Lainie Kazan. A three-course dinner and cocktails will be served.

The night is to close with an after-party at the swanky Starlite Lounge in the Riviera. Baker will once again perform, as will other entertainers to be announced later. A special toast and a cake will be cut in honor of Sinatra's birthday.