Anna Nicole Smith to host troop rally in Azusa

[news]

Anna Nicole Smith to host troop rally in Azusa

Anna Nicole Smith, a model, former Playboy Playmate and movie and television celebrity is coming to Azusa on Sunday to support U.S. troops.
Smith will host "Victory Party to Support Our Troops and Hero's Tribute Ceremony,' being held from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. at Smart City Grinds, 634 N. Azusa Ave.

"She wants to support our troops. It's plain and simple,' said her attorney Howard Stern. "She wants them to come back safely, and she appreciates what they have done.'

Stern said Smith does a lot of charity work.

Eventgoers are asked to bring an unwrapped toy to support the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots. The deadline to contribute for the holiday season is Monday, so this is a last- ditch effort to help, said Ricky Gallegos, event organizer.

About 200 military personnel and their family and friends from around the county are expected to attend the free event, which will include music and a raffle.

Each member of the military in attendance will received a dog tag that has an American eagle, the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on one side and Smith's photograph on the other.

Posters will be sold and all donations are welcomed.

For more information, call [phone], or 626) 633-1448.

:- From staff reports

www.sgvtribune.com/Stories/0,1413,205%257E12220%257E2603117,00.html

[Lisa]

It is nice to see that there is actually an event happening in downtown Azusa. I think that is the first one that I have heard of since I have moved here.

[H to the W]

My husband and I attended the festivities at Smart City Grinds with Anna Nicole Smith. I must admit ... it was a blast.

She stood onstage (looking stunning) and whoever brought a toy in got to talk to her and pose for a picture. She was a great hostess.

My husband went onstage with his toy and posed for several pics with her. I wish we could post them on this site...they're a riot.

She then thanked the troops and the crowd for their contributions. Afterwards, we talked to her assistant Kimmy and Sugar Pie the dog (who tried to attack me).

Altogether a fun night....good job Smart City Grinds!

[mtncovelover4]

Speaking of Smart City Grinds, what does everyone think of the Starbucks going in just north of there location?

Fair or unfair pratice by City of Azusa?

[Jumping In]

I support the idea of Starbucks coming in for several reasons.

First of all, the city is having a terrible time trying to get businesses interested in investing down there. Putting a new business down there is a risky thing. Adding Starbucks is a huge step in the right direction. The more successful businesses that we can get down there, the more it will reduce the risk for the other businesses. The more that we can do this, the more we can encourage other businesses to invest down there. The land down there is so expensive. We need to bring in businesses that can afford to invest down there. You would think that because the area is blighted that the prices would be a bargain. However, for some reason, this is not the case. I'm not sure why the values of the properties, well at least the one that Starbucks is going on, is so valuable.

Second, Smart City Grinds has a different demographic than Starbucks and therefore, there is room for both of them to be successful. The owner of Smart City Grinds has the support of the people who fight change every step of the way. It is a shame, because they are going to be some of the people that will benefit in the end as well. I wish that they could see that.