Actor and comedian Jamie Farr, best known for his role as Cpl. Klinger on the television show M.A.S.H., has cancelled his upcoming appearance at the 16th annual Putting on the Ritz fundraiser in Laurinburg. Sponsored by the Scotland Memorial Foundation, the event is scheduled for Nov. 7. Actor Ben Vereen has been confirmed as Farr's replacement.

"About a week ago we were notified that Mr. Farr must regrettably cancel his appearance at the 2009 Putting on the Ritz," Scotland Memorial Foundation Executive Director Steve Wallace said. "While we certainly regret his absence, we are extremely pleased to announce that actor Ben Vereen, who has familial ties to Laurinburg, has graciously agreed to come in Mr. Farr's absence."

According to Wallace, Farr was recently hospitalized with pneumonia. During his hospital stay he contracted a bacterial infection that doctors couldn't isolate; on the advice of his physician, Farr was asked not to travel while he recovered from his illness.

"What impressed me most about Mr. Farr was that he contacted us through his agent to offer his sincerest personal apologies," Wallace said. "He offered to help us find a replacement if necessary, and said that if we would have him back next year he would be most happy to appear."

Vereen, an adoptee who learned that he was born in Laurinburg and made a celebrated trip to Scotland County in 2006 to reconnect with family, was excited at the opportunity to make an appearance in Laurinburg, according to Wallace.

"We were told that Ben Vereen was almost moved to tears when asked if he would return to Laurinburg," Wallace said. "He is currently on tour in Hawaii, which he is going to interrupt to come here just to make an appearance before his adopted hometown audience."

In April 2006, Vereen visited Scotland County with a genealogist on a search for family members. While on the trip he learned his mother had died 24 years before, but that several relatives still lived in the area.

In an April 28, 2006 interview with the Laurinburg Exchange, Vereen said that the visit "has just all been so overwhelming ... I've finally found my family."

For Wallace, the switch from Farr to Vereen has gone well.

"Considering the situation, the transition from Mr. Farr's cancellation to Mr. Vereen's acceptance went pretty smoothly," Wallace said. "This all took place in about a 48 hour period, thanks in part to a great talent agency that we have been working with. While we are sad to know that Jamie Farr cannot be with us Nov. 7, we are thrilled that Mr. Vereen will return to Scotland County next month where he will tell stories and perform some of the songs from his current tour. The community response has been wonderful, for which we couldn't be more proud."