The Thalians was founded in 1955 by a group of young actors and allied professionals from the film industry who wanted to give back some of their blessings to the community. They met at actress Jayne Mansfield’s home to discuss how they could use their time, talent and energy to help children with mental health problems. Taking the name from Thalia, the Muse of Comedy and the Shepherdess of straying and lost lambs, the first Hollywood “celebrity” charity was born, and just four short years later, The Thalians Clinic for Emotionally Disturbed Children at Mt. Sinai Hospital was established.

When Mt. Sinai and Cedars of Lebanon merged, The Thalians pledged $1 million toward the construction of the first building on the new campus, which was named in their honor: The Thalians Mental Health Center.

Over the past 54 years, the group, long led by President Debbie Reynolds and Board Chair Ruta Lee, has raised over $30 million in support of the Center, which is world-renowned for its pioneering research and care. The number one priority is still children, but the Center treats pediatrics through geriatrics, for diseases ranging from Autism, Alzheimer’s, Bi-Polar Disorder, and Schizophrenia, to Phobias, Post Traumatic Stress, Depression, and Addictions.

Primary sources of fundraising are the annual Thalians Ball, which attracts standing room only crowds with its galaxy of stars and elaborate productions, and the Presidents Club, whose members mingle with celebrities and industry, civic, and community leaders at exclusive events.

The annual Gala Ball selects its honorees not only for their contributions to the entertainment industry, but for their charitable and philanthropic endeavors as well. Past honorees have included Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, Jimmy Stewart, Carol Burnett, Bob Hope, Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Sammy Davis, Jr., Sir Roger Moore, Liza Minnelli, Gene Kelly, Rita Hayworth, Lana Turner, and Whoopi Goldberg, just to name a few. The Mr. /Ms. Wonderful award was personally created and designed for The Thalians by Mr. Walt Disney himself and has become a most sought after collector’s item.

Mickey Rooney was our “Mr. Wonderful 2009” at the 54th Annual Thalians Ball and was saluted at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on November 1, 2009. It was an unforgettable evening of music, love, laughter, and celebration, which attracted the international press and electronic media.

The Thalians is comprised of all volunteers. We welcome those who want to invest their time, money, and effort to support our quest for achieving better mental health for everyone. Our cause is Mental Illness, the world’s INVISIBLE ILLNESS, which affects more people than all other diseases combined 1 in 3, to be exact! Come join with us in bringing joy, health and renewal into the lives we are able to touch through the relentless efforts of this tireless and dedicated organization.
We put the FUN in fundraising!