Move over, MLK Day –Betty White is being celebrated in Oak Park, Illinois. The dearly departed star will be honored in her hometown on what would have been her 100thbirthday. And it just so happens that it falls on the same day the federal holiday for the civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr.
Although Betty moved to Los Angeles when she was two, she always acknowledged her midwestern roots. And according to the president of Village of Oak Park,Vicki Scaman, she spoke highly of the place and continued to visit relatives there.
So what January 17thlook like in Oak Park? The small business community is banding together to offer discounts to customers and “Betty White specials.” For instance, Mickey's Restaurant will be offering a special consisting of a hotdog, fries, and diet coke – one of her favorite meals, and Turano Bakery is planning to make a giant birthday cake. Scaman tells us cutouts of Betty will cover walls in the downtown area. There will also be a mural contest, and the winning entry will be painted downtown.
If you’re not able to get to Oak Park, you can always check out the film event that’ll be playing in theaters that same day. She filmed a personal message for “Betty White: A Celebration” about then days before her demise. According to Steven Boettcher, who produced and directed the special, said she was in great spirits while filming. “She was great, she was funny, she was the adorable Betty White we all know and love,” he shared. “I mean, you see her and you just can't help but love her and she was amazing — just amazing.” Check out the trailer below.
Source: TMZ