Heart
Charlotte, North Carolina
Larry and Maj Hagman generously donated a Ferrari to be raffled off for charity. The event was within driving distance of my home, barely, so I decided to go. I arrived to an interesting scene. Two gorgeous cars were in front of the theater. These cars belong to an exotic car club, Privatus, that had a one year membership as one of the auction items at this event. There was a red carpet leading to the entrance of the theater. Greeters stood on either side of the red carpet: Girls dressed as Jeannie and guys in suits and cowboy hats! Nice touch!
Inside there was plenty of food and drinks, and a man playing music on a keyboard. The little bit of food I had was delicious. I was too nervous to eat more! Larry was mingling with the guests. There were several photographers, probably from local newspapers. One was following Larry around, taking photos of him with everyone who approached him. I went up to Larry, told him I drove 10 hours - "You didn't just get here?" he asked, sounding concerned. I told him no, I arrived the day before. He suggested a photo and pulled me towards him, putting his arm around me. The photographer got the shot, I thanked them and Larry went on the next person. Of course, I needed another photo. This last one was not in my camera! I approached the photographer, and asked if he could take a photo of me and Larry with my camera. He was very nice, told me to just grab him when I was ready. Now, to get Larry's attention again! Finally, a break in his conversation - I asked him if I could have another photo with my camera. "Sure!," he said, and I got to snuggle up to Larry once more! I seem to have gotten into the habit of resting my head on his chest. With the height difference, it just works, and judging from the photos, he doesn't mind! The photographer took two photos. Once again I thanked them, and stepped back. I shot some photos of Larry as he mingled, one with two "Jeannies". Larry's son Preston, who is HUGE (6'6" and broad like Larry) was there, as well as he granddaughter Noel. I believe Larry said during the show that she is 6'2"! Maj was not there, she had to go back to California for an emergency. They did not say why, but I doubt it's medical, or she wouldn't have been able to fly back. She just turned 80, on May 13th.
There were two types of auctions, a silent auction, with some Larry Hagman memorabilia and a live auction, which had mostly items local to the Charlotte area. The Hagman items, autographed, where a six-pack of JR Beer, two posters of his TV Guide covers, a set of Dallas DVDs, and a first season Jeannie Bottle by Mario Della Casa. Since I have most of the items, and more, I didn't bid.
I took some more photos of Larry, then decided to hang out near the theater entrance, since there were no tickets to this event. Some sections were roped off, but I got the first of the available rows, right in center. Perfect. The event organizer, Mark Erwin, introduced Larry, who did an abbreviated version of his show about his life and career. Boy, that man loves watching himself! It was nice to watch I Dream of Jeannie on a big screen! At one point Noel got up and left. Larry pointed her out and asked her to turn around, then said something about "not walking out on your grandfather." Jokingly, of course! Larry now seems to think it's been 14 years since his transplant. Anyone for 15? It will actually be 13 in August 2008, but who wants to correct him? During the presentation, Larry put up a photo of himself making a face while holding bagpipes. He said he can play them! I have my doubts about that, not sure if he sounds good, but he definitely looks good in a kilt! Unfortunately, they didn't show any kilt photos, but there is one on his web site.
The live auction followed, with Larry and Mark as the auctioneers. One of the items was a day of quail hunting. In the course of bidding, they threw Larry into the deal! Umm, if it was ANYTHING other than hunting, I would have bid on it!
I didn't take any photos during the auctions, afraid of raising my arms and accidentally bidding on something! But I continued to shoot, without a flash, for the rest of the event.
The organizers gave Larry a plaque of some sort, and proclaimed May 15th "Larry and Maj Hagman Day", and said some of the proceeds of the event will go towards a scholarship at CPCC for performing arts students in Larry and Maj's name. A homeless shelter, Harvest House, is also benefitting.
Next, the Ferrari raffle. I soon realized why they had roped off several rows of seats in front. The car rose from the orchestra pit - very cool! It was a beauty! They told a story of two teenagers pulling up next to Maj in the ferrari, looking at her, with her white hair, and asking her "Can you drive that?" She raced them, and won! I thought of my raffle number, 549, the first three digits of my childhood phone number, now my brother's - good luck? Larry chose an envelope, opened it, and read: 5....4....6! The lucky guy was sitting right behind me, an investment banker, I believe they said. I guess that means he can afford the maintenance on that car, don't know that I could!
As we left we they had gift bags from Tiffany's for us. Not impressed. Some cologne and a bunch of catalogs.
Overall, a very nicely run event!
For the complete story of a series of Larry Hagman events, see About This Site.