Dick Van Dyke hosts charity tea to fund endowment and museum

Dick Van Dyke, 99, led a singalong for a six year old fan and performed songs from his film and television career at a charity tea at his Malibu home on Sunday, October 5, raising funds for The Van Dyke Endowment of the Arts and a planned Dick Van Dyke Museum. The event, held at the couple's residence known as Vandy Manor, brought together family, fans and performers to support the museum effort ahead of the actor's 100th birthday on December 13.

Van Dyke and his wife, Arlene Silver, hosted the Vandy High Tea, where the actor led the room in Happy Birthday for Tristan, a six year old who had traveled from Connecticut to attend and held Bert and Mary Poppins dolls. Van Dyke also performed Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and the theme from The Dick Van Dyke Show. Guests heard live music from The Vantastix, Dan West and LoveyDove and were served sandwiches and desserts from a local caterer. The gathering was produced by Chris Isaacson Presents and hosted by Stu Shostak.

At the event Van Dyke reflected on his approaching centennial with a mixture of humor and candor. "It'd be funny if I didn't make it," he joked about turning 100, and later said, "I brag...