JENSEN BEACH, FL -- A Babar children's book, signed by two scions of the Bush family, brought in big bucks - $850,000 to be exact - in a local charity auction.
Former Florida governor Jeb Bush and his mother Barbara Bush autographed a copy of "The Travels of Babar" as a silent auction item to benefit the Hibiscus Children's Center in Jensen Beach.
An anonymous donor pledged the princely sum, which will benefit a literacy project at the Children's Center, geared toward abused and neglected children.
“Book historians and keepers of bibliographical records will be scurrying about trying to find a comparable gesture in the annals of literary auctions,” said nationally renowned book expert Nicholas Basbanes. “I can tell them right now this one stands alone, all by itself. Truly remarkable."
The book is part of a larger collection up for auction this week through November 24 that includes signed childhood favorite books from some of the most famous people in world, including President Obama, Maya Angelou, John Glenn, Jimmy Buffett, Hugh Hefner, Tiger Woods, Senator John McCain, Oprah Winfrey, Jack Nicklaus and Jane Goodall.
Auction organizers say the volume was the first donated to their cause, which now includes books signed by 85 different celebrities.
“I was astounded that the former Governor of Florida was so quick to respond to my request,” said Karla Preissman, one of the auction's organizers.
“It tickles me to think of Jeb Bush curled up on his mom’s lap listening to this story. It’s poetically fitting that the first in the collection is also the first to leave, and with such a remarkable gesture.”
For the complete listing of signed books and information about bidding,
click here. To see the collection firsthand, you can visit the exhibition at the
Elliott Museum in Stuart through November 29, 2009.
A live auction of some of the most noteworthy books is scheduled for Friday, November 20 at the Lyric Theater in Stuart.
