Mayor Frank G. Jackson presented Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves, Wendie Malick and Betty White with the ultimate stamp of approval: keys to the city.
“Doing the show, I have this strange, warm, fuzzy feeling for Cleveland,” said Leeves, who has never been to Ohio. “And I have to say it’s lived up to every expectation I’ve had. I think Cleveland is the best kept secret in America.”
During the presentation, Mayor Jackson also declared today “Hot in Cleveland” Day.
“And I cannot tell you how much you guys are all co-stars of this show,” Malick said. “Thank you so much for putting Cleveland on the map.”
Of course, Bertinelli couldn’t resist a little jab against former local Lebron James.
“We love you. We love Cleveland,” she said. “You don’t need Lebron!”
It was all cheers at the shopping center, but the most went to one cast member: legendary actress Betty White
“To walk into this city and be greeted with the warmth–not on a lovely big crowd like this, but also individually.”
White visited the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo yesterday. She said it’s one of the best zoos she’s ever been to.
“I love Betty. I think it’s a great show,” said Howard Fisher of Beachwood. “It has a real positive spin in Cleveland and the city needs it.”