Famous former TV host coming to Columbia. Here’s why.

Leeza Gibbons will be in Columbia next week to attend the grand reopening of Leeza’s Care Connection, a free resource center for caregivers of chronically ill patients.

The center, located in the former home of Michael and Mary Meech Mungo at 201 St. Andrews Road, had been closed after a tree fell on the building during a storm in May 2017. The reopening on Feb. 20 will have a red carpet entry, and Gibbons will give a champagne toast.

Gibbons, who is from Irmo, founded the organization in 2003 after her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Its purpose is to serve as a place for caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients to stay. It also offers free services, support and connection with others coping with the stress of chronic or terminal disease affecting a relative or friend.

Leeza’s Care Connection has locations throughout South Carolina and California and is the signature program of the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation.

Gibbons is a producer, actress and former television news reporter known for her work on “Entertainment Tonight” and as a competitor on NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice” with Donald Trump.

This story was originally published February 16, 2018 at 12:57 PM with the headline "Famous former TV host coming to Columbia. Here’s why.."