LUCILLE BALL - BALL SNAP'S A BIG EARNER AT HOPE AUCTION

BALL SNAP'S A BIG EARNER AT HOPE AUCTION

A signed picture of legendary U.S. funnywoman LUCILLE BALL has fetched more than $6,500 (GBP3,800) at an auction of BOB HOPE memorabilia.
More than 680 items went under the hammer over the weekend (18/19Oct08) at the Julien's Auctions event in Los Angeles.
Items included furniture, photographs and paintings from the home that Hope shared with his wife Dolores, as well as the late actor/comedian's collection of hats, suits, sporting memorabilia and movie items.
One of the sale's biggest earners was an autographed photo of Ball, in which she is dressed as a toothless gypsy. The picture is signed by Ball to "Rapid Robert" - Hope's nickname - and contains the message: "Because he loves beauty. XX Lucy."
Comic George Lopez was one of the celebrity attendees who successfully bid for Hope's golfing gear.
The auction raised more than $600,000 (GBP352,000) for the Bob and Dolores Hope Foundation.