United Way of Santa Cruz County marks 70th anniversary featuring collection of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia
An exhibition of the clothing and personal belongings of Marilyn Monroe will go on display March 16 and 17 at the Chaminade Resort & Spa as part of the celebration marking the 70th anniversary of United Way of Santa Cruz County.
A rare display of personal items once owned by actress Marilyn Monroe will be on display for the public during fundraising festivities on March 16 and 17 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the United Way of Santa Cruz County.
"It's a gift for us, because the public gets a chance to see these artifacts," said Mary Lou Goeke, executive director of United Way of Santa Cruz County. "It's a wonderful blend of personal items from one of the most recognizable movie stars of all time."
Monroe, who died in 1962, was a top box office attraction during the 1950s and was rated the sixth greatest female star of all time by the American Film Institute. She has remained an enduring star and pop icon to this day.
"Not only is it the 70th anniversary of United Way of Santa Cruz County, but it's also the 50th anniversary of the death of Marilyn Monroe," Goeke said. "This year will see, in addition to movies about Marilyn Monroe, retrospectives on her life in newspapers, books, PBS and other television cable channels."
The Monroe memorabilia was assembled by Scott Fort! ner, a n oted collector who serves as human resources manager for the Central California Alliance for Health, a nonprofit that helps lower income residents attain health insurance in Santa Cruz, Monterey and Merced counties. Goeke said Fortner's collection includes private photos of the star, original clothing items, cosmetics, private papers, documents and other items.
"It's a priceless collection," she said.
After Monroe's death, her personal effects were shipped to a family friend where they languished boxed up in a basement. Fortner was able to acquire many of them as they came up for auction in famous outlets such as Christie's New York.
"Some of Monroe's dresses have sold in the hundreds of thousands of dollars," Goeke said.
United Way of Santa Cruz County was originally formed in 1941 in Watsonville and Santa Cruz to raise funding to help troops overseas fighting World War II. At the time it was called "Community Chest."
"People have seen Community Chest on their Monopoly board game," Goeke said. "That's named after us. In the 1970s we became known as United Way of Santa Cruz County."
The nonprofit works to improve the quality of life by providing financial support for youth, family and health services.
"For example, we support a telephone 211 line that provides referrals for families who need help, and we're active in helping change laws to make the community healthier," Goeke said.
United Way of Santa Cruz County funds its operations from local donations and fund raisers. All the money raised locally stays local to help fund United Way of Santa Cruz County operations. Goeke said the organization hopes to raise $40,000 from the Monroe exhibition.
The celebration will be held at Chaminade Resort & Spa, 1 Chaminade Lane in Santa Cruz.
AT A GLANCEUnited Way 70th anniversary celebration
WHAT: Scott Fortner exhibition of the personal belongings of actress Marilyn Monroe at the 70th anniversa! ry celeb ration of the United Way of Santa Cruz County.
WHEN: 4-8 p.m. March 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 17 exhibition. Gala dinner, cocktails and silent auction will be held 6 p.m. March 17.
WHERE: Chaminade Resort & Spa, 1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz
COST: $20 to attend the Friday and Saturday exhibitions, or $125 to attend the Saturday night gala. Tickets may be ordered at www.unitedwaysc.org. For information, call 479-5466. For a YouTube clip of the event, go to http://www.tinyurl.com/uwsc-marilyn.