by bill biss –
“You smile the song begins, you speak and I hear violins… It’s magic.”
Such will always be the case regarding Doris Day. A remarkable woman whose voice, smile, humor and beauty transcends time. What exactly did Day do? Not only was she one of the most-loved singers of the 20th Century, she had a definitive skill in acting to fill the motion picture and television screens with sunshine or sadness. Let’s just say, “She was a natural.”
With her death on May 13 of 2019, all of us lost a beacon of light, a dog’s best friend and her ultimate triumph as Founder of The Doris Day Animal Foundation. It must be noted that Doris Day was a strong person who triumphed over many personal and financial tragedies.
So to discover that Julien’s Auctions (juliensauctions.com) was having a “virtual” auction by the President/ CEO Darren Julien through Julien’s Auctions was a “DAY” dream for anyone who loved her.
Darren Julien sent me a hardbound catalog that weighs more than five pounds. Much heftier than the weight was the memories and her personal property over the course of over 721 glossy and full-color pages of items.
Doris Day died the month after her 97th birthday (April 3) and this extraordinary auction was held over the course of what-would-have been her 98th birthday weekend on April 4 and April 5.
Originally planned by Julien’s Auctions as a three-day celebration and auction in Beverly Hills, because of COVID-19… all plans changed to an online auction. Julien’s finely carried this out over the course of that weekend. Being stuck at home on a rainy April weekend, it was a great treat to watch. The resulting sales of over 1,100 items was a tremendous success.
A figuratively field of daisies (Day’s favorite flower) and raised with the purchases overwhelmingly almost $3,000,000.00 dollars. All the money is going directly to The Doris Day Animal Foundation.
Can I get a happy wag of a tail on that! Truly feel Day would have just loved that outpouring of love, care and “Happy Soap” for her four-legged critters.
As you can see and read on showbiss.net; I have a strong regard for new and classic performers who inspire the heart with their talents. Doris Day was one of those and I’ve been an admirer of her since I was old enough to tune-in and turn-on her recordings and films. Now, let me tell ya… I sure did want one item up for auction and that was Lot 467.
Captioned “Doris Day Funny Dog Sculpture,” it was a piece made of bronze depicting a small scruffy terrier mix raising his back leg to do his business. It sold for $1,920.00 dollars.
Oh well, I have a real dog who does that… but I think the piece and Doris Day are just priceless. “Que Sera Sera.” Oh and hurry, the hardbound catalog is still available though it’s a top seller. (juliensauctions.com) Bye now.
(photos courtesy Bill Biss)