JEFF KEATE - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 02/25/1991 - HFSID 270412

JEFF KEATE
The cartoonist signed this letter, typed on his personalized letterhead in 1991, to comedienne Phyllis Diller. In it, he thanked Diller for including him in a benefit auction, but said he couldn't attend because of a relative in a nursing home.
Typed Letter Signed: "Jeff." in blue ink. Black ink notation in top left corner in unknown hand. 1 page, 7x10¾, on personalized letterhead. Feb. 25, 1991. Addressedto Phyllis Diller, Los Angeles, California. In full: "Dear Phyllis, Thanks for including me in the benefit for the NATIONAL PARKINSON FOUNDATION JIM BACKUS MEMORIAL CELEBRITY ART SHOW AND SILENT AUCTION. I sent off my contribution today. I wish I could be there for the event, but I have a ninety-one year old mother-in-law who is hanging in there on her last legs in a nursing home, and I must stay here to help my Jeanie in any way I can. It is wonderful of you to take time from your busy schedule to honor Jimmy's demise by raising funds to fight Parkinson disease. God bless you, Phyllis, and I am sure your sponsorship of the event will assure its success. With love, Jeff". Comedienne PHYLLIS DILLER, born Phyllis Ada Driver in Lima, Ohio in 1917, known for her outrageous appearance, zany outfits, distinctive laugh and a stand-up act that featured frequent references to her fictional husband "Fang" and zingers about her sex appeal and numerous plastic surgeries. Canadian-born American JEFF KEATE was a veteran cartoonist specializing in single-panel gag strips, many on sports topics and American mores. He drew the strip Rufus and contributed to strips like Time Out! and Today's Laugh. Lightly creased. Folded twice and unfolded. Otherwise, fine condition.