Luci Arnaz Headlines Norwalk Benefit on Saturday

The Norwalk Land Trust hopes to raise $50,000 on October 29 at a cabaret featuring Lucie Arnaz – daughter of the “I Love Lucy” icons – to benefit its citywide youth programs for outdoor science education and land stewardship.

“An Evening with Lucie Arnaz” will feature song and dance by the Emmy Award-winning actress and singer, daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, at Norwalk Concert Hall (City Hall), 125 East Avenue.

“It’s a real coup for the Norwalk Land Trust to have such a prestigious talent headline our first entertainment fundraiser,” said D. Seeley Hubbard, Trust president.

The 90-minute cabaret concert will highlight music from Arnaz’s 2010 Latin Roots album.

Arnaz began her 40-year career in show business as a frequent guest with her mother on “The Lucy Show” on television and at age 15 became a regular on “Here’s Lucy,” a series that ran for six seasons. She later starred in her own series, “The Lucie Arnaz Show,” in film (“The Jazz Singer,” opposite Sir. Laurence Olivier and Neil Diamond in a role that won her a Golden Globe nomination, among many others), and many roles onstage, including the Broadway musical “They’re Playing Our Song.”

She’s won many acting awards, including the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle and Theatre World awards.

Land Trust board member Lorraine Dowdey invited Arnaz, a friend, to headline the benefit. Arnaz lives in Weston when she’s not touring at concert halls here and abroad.

“Lucie also believes in the importance of preserving open space,” Dowdey said.

State Senator Robert Duff and State Representative Lawrence Cafero are co-chairs of the event.

“We want the Norwalk Land trust to continue its fine work and urge all members of the community to lend their support to this remarkable organization,” Duff said in an email.

Over the years since its incorporation as a non-profit in 1976, the Land Trust has accepted donations of land ranging from half an acre to 14 acres. Its holdings totaling 100 acres include the White Barn property and Hoyt Island, a three-acre haven for shore birds accessible by kayak or shallow-bottom boat from Village Creek.

Still, the program the Trust established for outdoor education for fourth graders to supplement their science curriculum makes members of the Trust particularly proud. To date, 1,000 students have participated in the program.

The fundraising event is the first of its kind for the Land Trust, which relies on membership dues for its operating budget.

Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased online at www.NorwalkLandTrust.org or by mail to Norwalk Land Trust, P.O. Box 34, Norwalk CT 06853. For further information email event@norwalklandtrust.org.