'TOOTH FAIRY' SUSMAN MAKES SICK KIDS LAUGH.

Byline: Diana Peyton Community Columnist

Todd Susman wipes the smile off his face for just a moment as he enters the parking lot at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. He reminds himself that the idea of a child suffering with cancer is not funny - then he enters the hospital, ready to make them laugh.

The Chatsworth resident has been recognized by Childrens Hospital for his ``perfect embodiment of both the spirit of volunteerism and the healing power of humor'' to commemorate National Volunteer Week.

``When I pull up to the parking lot, I stop at the stop sign, look at myself in the mirror and tell myself, this is not funny - then I get into character for the kids,'' he said.

The character actor may be recognizable as the Tooth Fairy on a current Sonicare television commercial. He has an extensive background in movies and television and uses his skills as an actor to put aside the pain he feels during the nearly 20 hours a week he spends visiting the children.

``What keeps me going is the endless need,'' he said ``It actually provokes me that the children are that sick. I just don't like it. Kids are supposed to get measles and mumps. . . . It just doesn't seem right.''

It's not all laughs for the volunteer. Two years ago, he was the father of one of the patients. His son Albert suffered a concussion while playing football for Chatsworth High. During the examination of his injury, it was discovered that he had a small brain tumor. Susman said Dr. Gordon McComb removed the tumor and his son required no further treatment.

But the experience gave Susman a glimpse of something he would wrestle with in his soul: the faces of seriously ill children.

Just about anyone who meets him at the hospital has a reason to chuckle. The 53-year-old character actor is known to wear a doughnut as a hat and visit sick children with a colorful artificial parrot, a ukulele and a song.

He says the parrot is great for children because it repeats back to the children whatever they say, and laughs back if they laugh. He says it's a great tool for communication with the children.

He is described by those who honored him as ``an energetic one-man show, part vaudeville, improv and street-theater-of-the-absurd.``

``It feeds my soul and makes me feel good about myself when I perform for the children,'' Susman said. ``I wish everyone could help. Maybe they can't do what I do, but maybe they can help with their pocketbook.''

LONGTIME VALLEY RESIDENTS Robbi and Rickey Gelb will be honored by Haven Hills Inc. at the annual Horizon Champagne Brunch on April 30.

The two philanthropists have been an integral part of the San Fernando Valley as owners of ATA stores, United Service Acceptance Inc., House of Sight and Sound, Gelb Enterprises and RMG Properties.

``I've lived in the Valley for over 50 years. I went to school in Van Nuys, and I read the Daily News when it was still the Green Sheet,'' Rickey Gelb said.

The Gelbs contribute to the Mid-Valley Jeopardy Foundation, helping high-risk youths to become responsible adults. ``There are so many good volunteers in the Valley, I love helping people and organizations here,'' Rickey Gelb said.

The couple was instrumental in helping Haven Hills acquire its administrative headquarters.

``I got the place built to their needs,'' Rickey said. ``I don't mind writing checks. . . . As long as it doesn't go to administrators, I like to help. Haven Hills has a lot of volunteers.''

The organization serves victims of domestic violence in the San Fernando Valley.

The honorees also provide facilities in Encino and Granada Hills for community centers and have donated wheelchairs for children in the Los Angeles Unified School system, helping children not eligible for government assistance.

As a committee member, Rickey is working with state Sen. Richard Alarcon, D-Van Nuys, to build a monument to honor firefighters and police at the Van Nuys Civic Center. He is also chief financial officer of the Encino Chamber of Commerce.

The scheduled master of ceremonies for the luncheon is actor Edward James Olmos. The community is invited to honor the Gelbs at 11 a.m. April 30 in the Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio City. Tickets are $75.