By: Staff Report
The Ledger Independent
Submitted: 9/24/2004
Items including a necklace, scarf and earrings from the late Rosemary Clooney’s personal collection will be just some of the items in the more than a dozen different baskets to be offered during a silent auction during Maysville’s annual Rosemary Clooney
Pam Schlereth of Columbus, Ohio is at it again — collecting Rosemary Clooney memorabilia and other items to benefit the Rescue the Russell organization.
Last year, Schlereth, who was a close friend of Clooney’s, decided she wanted to do something to give back to the historic downtown movie house which her friend loved so much. So she hit upon the idea of assembling baskets with different themes, many of them Rosie-related, and offering the baskets at a silent auction during Maysville’s annual Rosemary Clooney Music Festival.
The venture proved so successful — more than $6,000 was raised with every penny going directly to Rescue the Russell — that she decided to try for a repeat performance.
More than a dozen baskets will be on the auction block
Some themes for baskets will include:
— ‘I’m Confessin’ that I Love You,’ containing Godiva chocolates and coffees, favors, a photo and other items from the 1997 wedding and reception of Rosemary and Dante DiPaolo, wine and wine glasses.
— ‘White Christmas,’ with a DVD and CD, Christmas candle, cards, Rosemary framed photo from the movie and from Christmas party.
— ‘Rosemary,’ which includes a necklace from the late singer’s personal collection, a two-CD set, book and autographed photo. A second ‘Rosemary’ basket with a silk scarf and earrings from her personal collection.
— ‘George Clooney,’ containing a autographed photo and DVD, publicity postcard from ‘The Peacemaker.’
— ‘Bette’ with a shirt, program and photograph autographed by singer Bette Midler.
Other baskets have Disney, song and star themes, including one from Rosemary’s favorite New York Restaurant, Patsy’s, and one with an Augusta theme. Items are still being added, Schlereth said.
The baskets can be previewed Saturday morning at the ‘Crosby-Clooney Connection II’ at Maysville Community and Technical College’s Fields Auditorium. They will be displayed later in front of the Russell Theater.
The auction begins at 5:30 p.m. and bids will close at 7:15 p.m. All winning bids must be paid at the close of the auction Saturday night. Payment of cash or checks will be accepted. Checks should be made payable to Rescue the Russell.
