Doris Day's 97th Birthday Celebration
DORIS DAY, a beautiful and tremendously talented singer/dancer/actress . . . and at 97, still an inspirational Animal Rights Activist . . . admired and loved by countless thousands across the World . . . And this Love finds perfect expression every April in Doris' adopted home town of Carmel California, where this year, once again, dedicated fans (be they Dayniacs, Daydreamers or Dayvotees ) converged to share their enduring affection for this incredible iconic lady.
As ever, our "Once-A-Year-Days" were staged superbly by the truly devoted Team DDAF whose tireless efforts deserve a Huge vote of thanks from us All . . . (1 . . 2 . . 3 . . THANK YOU!!)
This year's events were supersized! We were treated to a 60th Anniversary Big Screen presentation of Doris' priceless rom-com "Pillow Talk", which also starred Rock Hudson who was ably assisted (or not!) in the mayhem by Tony Randall & Thelma Ritter. Truly a Dream Team!
The two nights of live entertainment were provided by our guest artists including chanteuse Karen Oberlin and TV's TCM host Ben Mankiewicz. We had hilarity with comedian/impressionist Rich Little and a high time with the evergreen Peter Marshall who also dusted with the star of the show, the Ambassador of the Great American Songbook, Michael Feinstein.
Our VIPs also joined in the fast-paced fun of the two DDAF Birthday Auctions; the M.C. was our very own ardent and energetic Scott Dreier who steered & stimulated the brisk bidding with skill & panache, while our darling, witty & sparkling Jackie Joseph engaged us all by humorously & enthusiastically endorsing Every auction item. (These two gorgeous people should do a show together…Soon!) It was fabulous fun and I think all the participants on & off stage did the “Four Leggers" proud!
Even after the thrill of it all, we still had our special Sunday to come . . . enthused by anticipation (and maybe one or two "Pillow Talk" cocktails created for the occasion) we gathered in and around the charming Cypress Inn chatting animatedly about the events of the past few days, but inside we were all eager for the call that would fulfill our Hopes of seeing the Birthday Girl . . .
The call came… (A Great Feeling!) and the crowds melted away as we headed for our rendezvous to assemble in assorted groups beneath the balcony of Doris' house, courtesy of Quail Lodge Golf Course. We didn't have long to wait… suddenly the Magic happened! Doris appeared above us, looking relaxed & happy and was instantly heralded with hollers of love & endearment which she answered with beaming smiles & welcoming waves. Next, she gleefully conducted our choruses of "Happy Birthday & to our repeated calls of "We Love You!!" she applauded enthusiastically & blew kisses, lots of kisses, to One and All. Despite the coolness of the afternoon air, Doris gave us so much of her time and affection; we were all moved by her generosity and spirit. But, soon it was time to say our goodbyes, so with love and respect (and not a few tears) we headed back to our gathering place for a group photo, to reminisce, to share our emotions, to hug and in some cases to say farewell to friends and fellow fans for another year.
It was and always is an amazing roller-coaster of a ride, from start to finish, but I wouldn't miss it for the World! It's a love-fueled phenomenon, a microcosm that mirrors the Magic that this lady still radiates... the Unique and Adorable DORIS DAY...
- Brian Day
As ever, our "Once-A-Year-Days" were staged superbly by the truly devoted Team DDAF whose tireless efforts deserve a Huge vote of thanks from us All . . . (1 . . 2 . . 3 . . THANK YOU!!)
This year's events were supersized! We were treated to a 60th Anniversary Big Screen presentation of Doris' priceless rom-com "Pillow Talk", which also starred Rock Hudson who was ably assisted (or not!) in the mayhem by Tony Randall & Thelma Ritter. Truly a Dream Team!
The two nights of live entertainment were provided by our guest artists including chanteuse Karen Oberlin and TV's TCM host Ben Mankiewicz. We had hilarity with comedian/impressionist Rich Little and a high time with the evergreen Peter Marshall who also dusted with the star of the show, the Ambassador of the Great American Songbook, Michael Feinstein.
Our VIPs also joined in the fast-paced fun of the two DDAF Birthday Auctions; the M.C. was our very own ardent and energetic Scott Dreier who steered & stimulated the brisk bidding with skill & panache, while our darling, witty & sparkling Jackie Joseph engaged us all by humorously & enthusiastically endorsing Every auction item. (These two gorgeous people should do a show together…Soon!) It was fabulous fun and I think all the participants on & off stage did the “Four Leggers" proud!
Even after the thrill of it all, we still had our special Sunday to come . . . enthused by anticipation (and maybe one or two "Pillow Talk" cocktails created for the occasion) we gathered in and around the charming Cypress Inn chatting animatedly about the events of the past few days, but inside we were all eager for the call that would fulfill our Hopes of seeing the Birthday Girl . . .
The call came… (A Great Feeling!) and the crowds melted away as we headed for our rendezvous to assemble in assorted groups beneath the balcony of Doris' house, courtesy of Quail Lodge Golf Course. We didn't have long to wait… suddenly the Magic happened! Doris appeared above us, looking relaxed & happy and was instantly heralded with hollers of love & endearment which she answered with beaming smiles & welcoming waves. Next, she gleefully conducted our choruses of "Happy Birthday & to our repeated calls of "We Love You!!" she applauded enthusiastically & blew kisses, lots of kisses, to One and All. Despite the coolness of the afternoon air, Doris gave us so much of her time and affection; we were all moved by her generosity and spirit. But, soon it was time to say our goodbyes, so with love and respect (and not a few tears) we headed back to our gathering place for a group photo, to reminisce, to share our emotions, to hug and in some cases to say farewell to friends and fellow fans for another year.
It was and always is an amazing roller-coaster of a ride, from start to finish, but I wouldn't miss it for the World! It's a love-fueled phenomenon, a microcosm that mirrors the Magic that this lady still radiates... the Unique and Adorable DORIS DAY...
- Brian Day
Special thanks to Helen Gadsby and Barbara Osborn for their photos and videos.
