LOS ANGELES, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- Comic-actor Red Buttons will receive the 2004 Mr. Wonderful award from the Hollywood charitable organization The Thalians, organizers said Monday.
Buttons is being honored for philanthropic contributions that have earned him the nickname "Always There," said Thalians President Debbie Reynolds and Chairman of the Board Ruta Lee.
"It's time that he was properly thanked," they said in a statement.
The 85-year-old entertainer won the supporting actor Oscar in 1957 for "Sayonara." He will receive the Mr. Wonderful award -- designed by the late Walt Disney for The Thalians -- at the organization's 49th Annual Ball on Nov. 7 in Los Angeles.
Organizers said attire for the occasion this year is red-tie for men and red gowns or Asian-inspired costumes for women.
Buttons joins a list of Thalians honorees that includes Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Bing Crosby, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Hope, Lena Horne, Gene Kelly, Jack Lemmon, Angela Lansbury, Mary Tyler Moore and last year's honoree, Burt Bacharach.
The Thalians, named for the Greek muse of comedy, have raised more than $31 million for The Thalians Mental Health Center at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
