Bob Hope Estate Charity Auction Kicks Off with “Bon Voyage” Luncheon

Honoring Linda Hope Aboard Queen Mary 2 in New York

Pictured L-R:  Commodore Bernard Warner, Linda Hope, Lucie Arnaz and Carol Marlow

September 4, 2008 – Linda Hope, daughter of legendary entertainer Bob Hope, and Lucie Arnaz, daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz and long-time family friend, Cunard’s Commodore Bernard Warner and Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line, gathered at a Bon Voyage luncheon aboard Queen Mary 2 to begin the international preview tour of the first and only auction of an unprecedented collection of memorabilia from the life, career and estate of the beloved entertainer.  Bob Hope was a frequent guest on Cunard ocean liners for more than 50 years.  Familiar faces and friends of the Hope family who joined the festive send-off included Maria Cooper, daughter of screen icon Gary Cooper, and NBC Anchor Chuck Scarborough.

The items will be sold during a live televised online auction conducted by Julien’s Auctions in October 2008 and Cunard is providing an exclusive auction preview onboard Queen Mary 2’s September 4 Transatlantic Crossing.  “I can’t think of a more appropriate location for this auction preview than on a grand Cunard liner,” said Linda Hope.  “Dad would have been delighted to know that some of his most cherished treasures will tour on this preview and will ultimately find their way into the hands and hearts of his fans.”

Linda Hope set sail on the six-day voyage from New York to Southampton.  During the crossing, she will present a personal look inside the life of her world-famous father, discuss some of his most memorable film and television moments and offer anecdotes about some of the historic memorabilia showcased onboard.  Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Bob and Dolores Hope Charitable Foundation to support Veteran’s causes.

“We are delighted to welcome Linda Hope aboard to celebrate the legacy of her father and present our guests with once-in-a-lifetime programmes that illustrate his contributions both as an entertainer and humanitarian,” said Carol Marlow.  “Not only is he recognized among the most celebrated entertainers of our time, but he was a beloved Cunard guest who often practiced his golf drives from the upper decks of Queen Mary and QE2.”