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CHARITABLE WORK
Charitable Work: Services
Inger Stevens was appointed by California Governor Pat Brown to the Advisory Board of the Neuro-Psychiatric Institute of UCLA Medical Center and served as honorary chairman of the California Council for Retarded Children (CRCC) from 1966 to 1970.
Inger also spent many free weekends volunteering at the Kedren Health Center in the Watts neighborhood in LA.
Charitable Work: Bio
People always ask me why I’m interested in retarded children. It’s simple. I grew up in Sweden, living with my aunt. I have two retarded cousins. In Europe, my aunt Karin Junker is an authority on mental retardation and wrote a very popular book, which was translated into English and sold here under the name, “A Child in the Glass Ball.” Proceeds all went to the cause.
This field is the closest to me and I understand it firsthand. I wouldn’t lend my name if I were not actively involved.
Charitable Work: Image
It is the most rewarding work I have ever done. I feel it’s a wonderful balance in my life and a very good leveler. The children give me for more than I’m able to give them. Some exciting things are happening in educating retarded children and it is wonderful to see.
I visit a lot of the homes and schools but I’m essentially involved in calling attention to this and telling people where to go for help. I go to towns, rallies, bazaars. It’s very convenient to go to places here, but it’s more valuable out of town.
I want to raise more money for community day care centers. Only about 5 percent of children need total care. Many are educable. Many hold down jobs. There are tasks they can perform, plus taking care of their daily needs. But it takes a great deal of patience and time.
Charitable Work: Bio
INGER STEVENS' CELEBRITY ART SHOWS
Charitable Work: Text
Charitable Work: Portfolio
Charitable Work: Image
An artist herself, Inger felt that celebrity art exhibits could raise funds for the California Council for Retarded Children while educating the public about the needs of the children. Inger began coordinating traveling art shows in 1966. She reached out and gained artwork from celebrities, including Tony Curtis, Natalie Wood, Claire Trevor, Kim Novak, Elizabeth Montgomery, Rita Hayworth, Charlton Heston, Jonathan Winters, Carol Burnett, James Mason, Eddie Albert, Dinah Shore, Van Johnson, and many others.
The artwork was on loan, not for sale, and drew in large crowds over multiple shows for several years. Inger stated that admission prices were low or free, depending on the show, because she wanted as many people as possible to see it and learn about the CCRC. Inger's goal for the exhibits was to raise more money and awareness so that new community daycare centers could be funded.
Charitable Work: Bio
Inger poses with her own painting at one of her celebrity art shows benefitting the CCRC.
Charitable Work: Bio
In the first photo, Inger admires actress Claire Trevor's painting of Barbra Streisand. In the second and third photos, Inger prepares for the exhibits.
Charitable Work: Welcome
OTHER CHARITIES
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Inger supported the 1964 Christmas Seal campaign to benefit the Santa Cruz Tuberculosis and Health Association. With Inger is Mrs. Francis L. Beardsley, an advocate for the association.
Charitable Work: Bio
Inger attended a Christmas party benefitting paraplegics in 1966. Pictured: Hugh Smith, Lydia Lane, Cpl. Michael Olson, Anne Francis, Angie Dickinson, and Inger.
Charitable Work: Bio
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