Walt Disney Art Classics Convention 2004 - Part 2
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Bobby finished with some sobering words about Annette’s lengthy battle with Multiple Sclerosis. He said that many of her friends were in touch with her daily. They continue to hold onto hope, although the illness continues to take its toll.
Annette in Disneyland in 1997
Tim O’Day thanked Bobby and Sherry for sharing their time and memories. He then turned to the crowd, saying, “This is your last class. You have graduated.�? He then acknowledged what many were wondering: what of the next year? Although it had been announced that this would be the last Art Classics Celebration, O’Day chose to describe it not as an end, but a point in the road, saying that it could come back in another form. He confided that while it was not “off the books,�? it was not “on the books,�? either. He concluded with, “It’s been a great six years, hasn’t it?�?
He went on to thank all the guests past and present who had joined in the celebration. He also commended the group who had worked on the convention: Rob Nelson and Michael Young, who started it, David Micklin who continued it, and the whole Walt Disney Art Classics team. The crowd rose in a standing ovation for the assembled team who had gathered at the side of the stage. O’Day then thanked all who had attended.
“The most appropriate way to end this class is with a song�? O’Day concluded. The curtain opened to reveal a special surprise: the original show curtain from the Mickey Mouse Club.
The original show curtain was sent straight from the Archives.
As the bittersweet words of the Mickey Mouse Alma Mater filled the room, lights bathed the brilliant blue curtain, with its jaunty lettering and images of innocent youth. As the song ended, Tim O’Day signaled for a cake to be rolled in. Bobby Burgess’ birthday was just a few days off, and a little early celebration was in order. As Bobby and Sherry moved to the cake, a crowd of Disney characters entered the room. People moved down front to take photos. And the 2004 Celebration of Walt Disney Art Classics ended.
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-- Posted June 4, 2004
-- Story by Doug Marsh
-- Photography by Doug Marsh and Steve Solovitz
-- All other images are Copyright the Walt Disney Company