Since Julien’s Auction house announced that they would be auctioning a piece of music history belonging famed singing sensation Michael Jackson, fans of the late legend have been following the preparations to sell the one and only “Thriller” jacket. The celebrated red jacket that Jackson wore in the groundbreaking video will be offered to the highest bidder starting on June 25, 2011 at Julien’s Beverly Hills gallery along with many of Michael’s other possessions. Portions of the proceeds from the auction of the jacket worn in the record breaking 1982 “Thriller” video and album will be donated to “The Roar Foundation,” which was founded in 1983 by Golden Globe winning actress, Tippi Hedren, and is the financial 501 (C) 3 support arm for the Shambala Preserve. The preserve made a home for Jackson’s tiger’s Thriller and Sabu, currently living in a 22,000 sq. ft. compound on the shore of the Shambala Lake, after he left Neverland Ranch. “They compliment each other perfectly,” says Ms. Hedren, adding, “Thriller is a thrill! She’s independent, feisty and lets all of us know when she wants to be left alone. Sabu knows all of her moods and highly respects each one of them!” Fans can come to Shambala during one of the scheduled “Afternoon Safari’s” to meet them, or possibly stay overnight in one of their two authentic African Safari tents located nearby the magnificent Thriller and the very patient Sabu. Learn more by visiting Shambala.org.
The Roar Foundation was thrilled with the decision by Julien’s Auctions to benefit the preserve. The only actress to have worked with both directors Alfred Hitchcock and Charlie Chaplin, Hedren who has worked tirelessly as a national advocate on behalf of the rights of all wildlife, with a focus on exotic felines says, “It costs $75,000 every single month to keep Shambala operational. This includes the compound upkeep, the best food, expert animal care, the best medical care for all of the wild ones including Thriller and Sabu. The Julien offer couldn’t have come at a better time and we are extremely grateful.” The Shambala Preserve has been rescuing big cats bred and born in captivity right here in the United States to be sold as pets or to be used for financial gain in “traditional” circuses, night club acts and roadside zoos. A legislative Bill that Hedren has co-authored, that will be presenting to Congress soon, would ban the domestic breeding of exotic felines and hopefully halt the purchasing of apex predators as pets and the inhumane abuse that occurs both before and after sales.
Julien’s is known for specializing in entertainment memorabilia, Beatles memorabilia and rock memorabilia and is now the premier auction house in high-profile celebrity and entertainment auctions. The Thrillerù jacket is estimated to be worth between $200,000 to $400,000, but with recent auction successes such as Marilyn Monroe’s “Seven Year Itch” dress and Audrey Hepburn’s gown from “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” going for millions over the estimated values, hopes ran high at the public unveiling of the “Thriller” jacket on June 22nd. Just like Monroe and Hepburn, Jackson’s iconic jacket has become a piece of pop culture that left an indelible image in the minds of music fans worldwide.
Entrepreneur, CEO and founder of Slimmer Silhouette, Meggie Hale, who was among those in attendance at the unveiling remarked, “The event was an amazing sight to see, and served as a gorgeous tribute to such a brilliant man. The fact that proceeds are going to such a deserving cause, is just icing on an already enticing cake. I think Michael would be pleased to know that Thriller and Sabu are so well looked-after.” Adding “I was just honored to be in attendance and excited to see such a good turnout. I look forward to being present on Sunday, and witnessing history when the actual jacket is auctioned off. Whomever purchases the Thriller jacket will certainly own a true piece of Americana.”
For information on the auction or to place a bid on the “Thriller Jacket,” you can go to Juliensauctions.com.
See some great photos of Tippi and the tigers by Bill Dow here: http://losangeles.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo-Flash-The-Unveiling-Of-Jacksons-Thriller-To-Benefit-Tigers-20110624
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