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The Annette Funicello Research Fund for Neurological Diseases observes the 116th anniversary of Walt Disney's birth (December 5) by offering a truly special and most appropriate item from Annette's personal career archive: Annette's own hand-written text for her "Tribute to Walt Disney". While preparing to record her tribute to the man she so greatly respected as a mentor and father figure, Annette penned this "final" draft in blue ink...on two legal sized sheets of notebook paper before heading to Sunset Sound Studios in 1983. Annette would ultimately return to the recording studio on her birthday in 1984 to re-record a single line that was revised from this original draft, clarifying John Glenn as "our first orbiting astronaut".  Annette and husband Glen actively explored a number of distribution opportunities for the completed track until Annette's Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis in 1987, when the project was set aside. Annette...

Among the selection of items from Annette's personal collection currently available for bid is this rare counter display used throughout 1993 at Annette's numerous personal appearances while promoting her latest product release, CELLO by Annette. Following it's initial use, the display was perserved among the many other career related keepsakes showcased throughout her Bakersfield home.  It is now being offered at auction for the exclusive benefit of The Annette Funicello Research Fund for Neurological Diseases . Don't miss out on what could be your only opportunity to add this incredibly rare piece of collectable advertising to your collection. Auction ends tomorrow!  BID TODAY !

Today, on the 75th Anniversary of Annette's birth, we are happy to announce the launch of a new digital timeline, now available on our freshly redesigned AnnetteConnection.com website.   This illustrated feature tells Annette's story in a unique way that delivers a chronology to the events of her life and career as never presented before.  Currently comprised of 98 individual topics, with a photo and information on each, even the most avid fan may learn something new or gain clarity and a broader insight into Annette's life and incredible legacy with this fun, entertaining addition. Don't see a favorite event, show or film represented?  New topics.....as well as additional information on current topics will be added over time. We hope you enjoy what has been put together and we  Thank You for celebrating what would have been Annette's 75th birthday with us today. Until next time...

As the Walt Disney Company commemorates its 30th year (1987 - 2017) of honoring individuals who have made extraordinary and lasting contributions to the company with the Disney Legends Award, our readers might also recall this as a milestone anniversary year for Annette's induction as a "Disney Legend".   In a ceremony that took place at 11:00 a.m. twenty-five years ago today, in an outdoor space between the Animation Building and Theater on the Disney Studio lot, Annette accepted her  "Legends Award" and immortalized her signature and hand prints in cement; thereby establishing her place among the company's all-time greats in this most exclusive "hall of fame".  As the ceremony happened to fall on the eve of Annette's 50th birthday, Mickey Mouse made the day even more special by presenting her with a beautiful three tier birthday cake and surprising her later on that day with a second, decorated with the official Mickey Mouse Club emble...

Hi everyone, welcome to the all new AnnetteConnection.com! First, I would like to thank you all for your patience during this period of transition and transformation; as we have grown, updated and reorganized our web presence - a primary goal of ours throughout 2017. Early last year, while assessing future goals, the Annette Funicello Research Fund for Neurological Diseases (AFRFND) Board of Directors was delighted to come to the realization, that thanks to the generous support of so many of you, the organization had grown to a point that warranted its own independent home online.  As a result, AFRFND.org was created as the new, official site for Annette's non-profit; while the existing AnnetteConnection.com website was to remain open and continue to be maintained as a place to celebrate the life, career and legacy of this courageous and legendary star. Today we complete this year-long transition, as AnnetteConnection.com is relaunched with a fresh, updated design ...

After ten-months-plus of preparation, I'm very excited to announce that the ALL NEW AnnetteConnection.com will launch in October, just in time for the 75th Anniversary of Annette's birth. Through this blog, image galleries and a digital timeline - which is set to launch on the new site later in October - we will celebrate the life, career and legacy of this brave and legendary star. You can look forward to regular updates and additions to the website throughout this milestone year; and stay tuned to learn of ways in which you might contribute to the site in the months ahead. I can't wait to show you what I've been working on and look forward to celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Annette's birth with you all. Best, Adam Rogers Webmaster