THE ANNETTE FUNICELLO COLLECTION: The Personal Property of Annette Funicello
Authorized and Authenticated by the Annette Funicello Research Fund for Neurological Diseases
Item: Annette's cherished one-of-a-kind antique wedding gift from her husband, Glen Holt
Date: 1986 (vintage antique plate created circa 1880 - 1900)
Description: This hand-painted presentation is of oriental design and features a white crane and birds under cherry blossoms beneath a moonlight night sky.
The traditional images conjure symbols of spring, beauty, sweetness, love and happiness. The placement of Japanese dragon figures on the metal base are meant to inspire as protectors of mankind; powerful and wise guardians that shield from danger and offer wisdom. They are symbols of good fortune and happiness, offering strength and courage at each important stage of life.
Glen specifically selected this as his gift to Annette... as purchased from an antiquities specialist in the Los Angeles area (Glen could not recall the name of the individual who sold him the gift).
The gift was originally displayed at their home on Sandy Lane in Encino. After that home was lost to fire in 2011, the piece was then transferred to their final home in Bakersfield; near the ranch house where they enjoyed spending time together, far from the media paparazzi that often followed them in the years after Annette's battle with Multiple Sclerosis was disclosed.
The plate measures 12" and is presented on a golden metal base standing 7" high. The base measures 16" across at its widest point. Extremely detailed design; unlike any other design that we could find in our research. There are no identifying makers marks underneath the plate; nor any marks that we could find etched into the metal base. Metal content is untested; likely of brass or bronze; sturdy and in excellent condition.
An elegant keepsake... worthy of the lifetime of love that Annette and Glen shared... and prominently displayed in their home for the rest of their days.
Condition: Very good
Provenance: As found in Annette and Glen's personal estate collection
Includes Certificate of Authenticity from The Annette Funicello Research Fund
Annette Funicello and Glen Holt were married on May 3, 1986 and together in 1993 they founded the Annette Funicello Research Fund for Neurological Diseases for researching the cause, the treatment and the cure for Multiple Sclerosis and other neurological diseases.
As Annette's disease progressed, she and Glen had redoubled their efforts to fund the critical research that is needed to fight all neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis, the disease that Annette had so valiantly fought for more than two decades. Their relentless struggle against the disease served as an inspiration that can motivate Annette's friends and fans to participate in providing the financial support that this ongoing research requires. Perhaps Glen said it best: "I want to touch their hearts so they will go out there and help us raise some money. I am going to fulfill her wish to help find a cause and a cure."
Glen faithfully cared for Annette until her passing on April 8, 2013. After Glen's passing on February 12, 2018, the Research Fund's Board of Directors stepped forward to carry on the work begun by Annette and Glen nearly three decades ago.
In support of Annette's final wishes, 100% of the proceeds from these "eBay for Charity" offerings will be used to support the ongoing work of the Annette Funicello Research Fund for Neurological Diseases.
The Annette Funicello Research Fund is honored with the generosity of The Walt Disney Company in re-naming the Walt Disney Studio's historic Stage 1 sound stage on June 24, 2013, forever more to be known as "The Annette Funicello Stage."
Company president Robert Iger shared these personal thoughts in remembering Annette Funicello:
"Annette was and always will be a cherished member of the Disney family, synonymous with the word Mouseketeer, and a true Disney Legend. She will forever hold a place in our hearts as one of Walt Disney's brightest stars, delighting an entire generation of baby boomers with her jubilant personality and endless talent. Annette was well known for being as beautiful inside as she was on the outside, and she faced her physical challenges with dignity, bravery and grace. All of us at Disney join with family, friends and fans around the world in celebrating her extraordinary life.
In order to assist in reducing shipping costs for multiple same-day purchases, we will refund excess shipping charges, as needed. Please let us know if there are specific questions related to a pending purchase and/or payment.
Annette's "Donor Corner" Boutique is the newest way that Annette's friends and fans can support The Annette Funicello Research Fund for Neurological Diseases.
This new "boutique" within Annette's eBay for Charity store provides a means where friends can donate their own gently used treasures that can then be offered exclusively to our worldwide network of eBay collectors. 100% of the sale proceeds are dedicated to the ongoing work of The Annette Funicello Research Fund. The IRS typically considers donations of this type to be tax-deductible, though they will require an independent appraisal of the items included with those donations. We recommend discussion with a qualified tax advisor before providing inventory for our eBay for Charity Store. Each donor will also receive our dated letter of acknowledgement that details the items that have been donated to The Annette Funicello Research Fund and the items will then be offered exclusively through our eBay for Charity Store.
Those interested in donating items related to Annette's career, Disneyana Treasures, or other specialty items that might be of interest to today's collectors may contact us for more information through the eBay Messaging System.
As always, Annette’s eBay for Charity store is open 24/7 for your consideration, with new items posted weekly.
Thanks for considering how you and your friends can take part in this innovative new means of support through eBay for Charity.