Marv Welch, local Detroit nightclub entertainer and 1950s kid show host Wixie Wonderland, needs your help. Marv is no longer able to drive, and his only means of transportation, an adult-size tricycle, was stolen recently.  Marv cannot afford the $350 cost to replace the tricycle, and has trouble walking long distances.

 Harbor Lanes, on Jefferson two blocks north of 10 Mile in St. Clair Shores, is holding a benefit for Marv on Friday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m. The cost to participate is $15, which includes three games of "glow" bowling (that's bowling with a laser light show), pizza and prizes.

 For more information, call Harbor Lanes at 586 772-1200 after 11 a.m.; ask for Pat or Zoanne.

 Wixie's Wonderland was on WXYZ from 1952 to 1958. "I wore boots, a lightning bolt on my chest and a beanie with an antenna," Welch says. "I don't know what the hell I was supposed to be." Whatever he was, Detroit kids ate it up! Wixie received more than 200 fan letters a week. As Wixie, Welch would sing, tell jokes, do record pantomimes and generally improvise for an hour every day.  Cartoonist Ken Muse played Gee Whiz (the fastest clown there is). Frank Nastasi was the loveable Gramps. Diane Dale sang, told stories and played the piano.

 During the evening hours, Welch would work in the top Detroit nightclubs, like the Club Gay Haven and Harry and Alma's Supper Club. Marv's standup routine was very adult, which would always surprise some parents. He would do jokes that made Mom and Dad blush at night, then make their kids scream with delight the next morning.

 Wixie may have hung up his beanie in 1958, but Marv Welch's nightclub career flourished.. He cut a handful of party records, and even did a short stint as a radio DJ. In the 1990s, Marv often performed with his WXYZ buddies, Soupy Sales and Johnny Ginger. Celebrating his 70th decade in show business, Marv still performs in area clubs and nightspots.