MILLENNIUM MOMENT

In the 1930s and ‘40s, singer Harry Babbitt gained fame performing with

the Kay Kyser band and appearing in such movies as “Praise the Lord and

Pass the Ammunition.”

In 1961, Babbitt moved to Newport Beach and set to work making his

presence felt in the community, not only as a singer, but as a

Samaritan. He performed at hundreds of fund-raising events and racked up

a long list of civic credits.

Among his titles were Commodore of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and

executive board member of the Boy Scouts of Orange County. The city of

Costa Mesa also gave Babbitt a “Heart Award” in 1982 for his extensive

charitable work.

* MILLENNIUM MOMENT celebrates the people who have made a major

contribution to the Newport-Mesa community during this century.