2001
The Memorial in August 2001 was a special time with a heart in the sky over Westwood Cemetery on August 5th, dinner at Musso & Frank’s with special guests Joshua Greene, Greg Schreiner, Shirley De Dienes, George Barris & more. We toured many Marilyn spots and also Ripley’s where the Marilyn exhibit of items they purchased at the 1999 Christie’s auction were on display.
2002
August of 2002 marked the fortieth anniversary of Marilyn’s death. Fans worldwide gathered in Los Angeles to honor her memory and life. On August 3rd we did a day long tour of Marilyn’s homes and haunts. We were followed by reporters including the L.A. Times, and our events made many newspapers worldwide. On the afternoon of the 4th there was an great pool party held at the Roosevelt Hotel hosted by the N2MM club. The evening of the 4th Immortal Marilyn hosted a gala reception at the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel. There was a live jazz band, world class hors d’oeuvres and was attended by approximately eighty fans and friends of Marilyn’s. Among the honored guests was Marilyn’s first leading man Rand Brooks, who worked with her in "Ladies of the Chorus". Producer Stanley Rubin who worked with Marilyn on "River of No Return", and his actress wife Kathleen Hughes. Also Mickey Song who brushed out Marilyn’s hair the night she sang Happy Birthday to JFK. George Barris who was a friend of Marilyn’s and took some of the loveliest photos of Marilyn ever just weeks before her death. Maite Minguez Ricart generously offered her rare photograph collection of a young Norma Jeane to be viewed that evening. Maite Minguez Ricart was represented by IM member Victor Fernandez who flew to L. A. with the collection. Jill Adams who is Co-President of the Forever Marilyn club was able to make it possible for us to have one of Marilyn’s own dresses loaned by owner Lynne Angus-Barker on display. Both of these exhibits thrilled the fans and brought more than one tear to view. Immortal Marilyn will always be grateful for these generous contributions in making our night very special indeed. On the 5th was the annual Memorial service for Marilyn arranged by Greg Schreiner and his Marilyn Remembered Club. Then President Leslie Kasperowicz gave a speech that no one who heard will ever forget. Famous photographer Douglas Kirkland who photographed Marilyn in 1961 was one of the many guest speakers, as well as foster sister to Norma Jeane, Nancy Bolender. After the service fans gathered at the home of Greg Schreiner for lunch and time together. Greg of course shared his incredible collection of Marilyn items with us all.
2003
August 2003 members of Immortal Marilyn gathered again in Los Angeles. This year at Immortal Marilyn new Senior Staff member Alberto from Argentina could not join us. So we came up with the idea of carrying his photo with us everywhere we went so that Alberto was in a way with us.
He was actually at home working hard running the club with the help of the Friendship Committee while the rest of the staff was in Los Angeles. Looking through the photographs posted you will see Alberto’s photo being held by one of the staff to include him! On August 4th IM did the annual tour of Marilyn’s homes and haunts. This year we got an extra treat of getting a tour of the inside of Hollygrove which was the orphanage little Norma Jeane spent time at as a child.
Every Christmas Immortal Marilyn works hard to see each child there gets a Christmas present they want from their personal wish list. It is something Immortal Marilyn is very proud of. Everyone was touched to be there, seeing the history and learning how Hollygrove operates to take care of the children who pass through their doors in need. Our lunch break on the tour was at Barney’s Beanery where Marilyn often went for a great bowl of chili. At the residence in Beverly Hills where Marilyn and Joe Dimaggio lived we met the owner.
After visiting with him about the history of the home he surprised us with the home’s original phone wire that had recently been replaced. It was a thrill to divide the phone wire that Marilyn had talked on among all on the tour group! That evening at the hotel a candlelight vigil was held to remember Marilyn, it was very touching. The Memorial service as always was beautiful. After the service we once again gathered at Greg Schreiner’s for lunch and time with other Marilyn fans there. This year VP Leja aka “Pola” got to see and hold the hat Marilyn’s character “Pola” was to wear in the film How to Marry a Millionaire. That evening IM members met at the historic Formosa restaurant and had a great time and a last meal together. A lot of us got our photos taken in what was “Marilyn’s booth” when she ate there.
August of 2002 marked the fortieth anniversary of Marilyn’s death. Fans worldwide gathered in Los Angeles to honor her memory and life. On August 3rd we did a day long tour of Marilyn’s homes and haunts. We were followed by reporters including the L.A. Times, and our events made many newspapers worldwide. On the afternoon of the 4th there was an great pool party held at the Roosevelt Hotel hosted by the N2MM club. The evening of the 4th Immortal Marilyn hosted a gala reception at the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel. There was a live jazz band, world class hors d’oeuvres and was attended by approximately eighty fans and friends of Marilyn’s.
Among the honored guests was Marilyn’s first leading man Rand Brooks, who worked with her in “Ladies of the Chorus”. Producer Stanley Rubin who worked with Marilyn on “River of No Return”, and his actress wife Kathleen Hughes. Also Mickey Song who brushed out Marilyn’s hair the night she sang Happy Birthday to JFK. George Barris who was a friend of Marilyn’s and took some of the loveliest photos of Marilyn ever just weeks before her death. Maite Minguez Ricart generously offered her rare photograph collection of a young Norma Jeane to be viewed that evening. Maite Minguez Ricart was represented by IM member Victor Fernandez who flew to L. A. with the collection. Jill Adams who is Co-President of the Forever Marilyn club was able to make it possible for us to have one of Marilyn’s own dresses loaned by owner Lynne Angus-Barker on display. Both of these exhibits thrilled the fans and brought more than one tear to view. Immortal Marilyn will always be grateful for these generous contributions in making our night very special indeed. On the 5th was the annual Memorial service for Marilyn arranged by Greg Schreiner and his Marilyn Remembered Club. Then President Leslie Kasperowicz gave a speech that no one who heard will ever forget. Famous photographer Douglas Kirkland who photographed Marilyn in 1961 was one of the many guest speakers, as well as foster sister to Norma Jeane, Nancy Bolender. After the service fans gathered at the home of Greg Schreiner for lunch and time together. Greg of course shared his incredible collection of Marilyn items with us all.
The Memorial in August 2001 was a special time with a heart in the sky over Westwood Cemetery on August 5th, dinner at Musso & Frank’s with special guests Joshua Greene, Greg Schreiner, Shirley De Dienes, George Barris & more. We toured many Marilyn spots and also Ripley’s where the Marilyn exhibit of items they purchased at the 1999 Christie’s auction were on display.
When Immortal Marilyn members go to L.A. for the August Memorial they stay at the
Hollywood Orchid Suites. There we get the best value in Hollywood and its right in the heart
of everything! Check the web site out and stay there if your planning to visit Hollywood!
The Hollywood Orchid Suites
