Seller Story: In Memory of Debbie Walter:
1965 Thunderbird for the Ovarian Cancer Alliance
In 2014, Andy Walter was scrolling through EBTH and came across a 1965 Ford Thunderbird he thought would be fun to restore for his son. “You’re going to be in so much trouble with mom!” his son replied, when Walter relayed that he had won it. But Andy had a larger plan. His wife Debbie had recently been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and the couple had become active in the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Greater Cincinnati. Wouldn’t it be great if they could restore the car, and use it to raise awareness and funds for the disease?
For a year, a team of professionals volunteered their time to turn the vehicle into a hot rod, embarking in a frame-off restoration and implementing custom leather interior, audio system, paint, a new engine and air ride suspension. Once completed, the Walters unveiled the hot rod at the Cavalcade of Customs at the Cincinnati Convention center in 2016. For the next year, they toured with it at various car shows, using it as a way to grab people’s attention and educate them about ovarian cancer. “There were all of these husbands who had dragged their wives to the shows, and they would come by our car and we’d say, ‘Ma’am, this is for you,” recalls Andy. “And we’d hand out symptom cards. Unfortunately, it’s a cancer that you can’t test for, so you have to be aware of the symptoms.” When they auctioned the Thunderbird in a raffle for the Ovarian Cancer Alliance’s charity walk, the winner opted to take a lesser cash amount and let the car go on to a larger charity auction.
After a valiant 4-year fight, Debbie passed away in November of last year. To bring the story full circle and honor her, Andy decided to return to EBTH and auction the Thunderbird with proceeds benefiting the alliance. One hundred percent of proceeds in this sale will go to the organization,which raises money for research and survivor support, and of which his wife was co-chair. “I will continue to make it my mission,” says Andy, of his fight for sufferers and survivors of the disease. “We want to keep Debbie’s mission alive.”
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Gianni Versace Celestial Sun Baroque Patterned Zip Pouch, 1990s
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Chippendale Style Mahogany and Parcel Gilt Ho-Ho Bird Mirror, 19th Century
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Chinese Lacquered, Paint-Decorated and Stone-Appliqué Folding Screen
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
1950s West Germany Floral Brooch and Earrings Set Including Rhinestones
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Louis Vuitton Porte-Monnaie Billets Trésor Wallet in Monogram Canvas
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Italian Sterling Patterned Omega Chain Bracelet
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Christian Dior Top Handle Boston Bag in Brown Trotter Canvas
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Austin Productions Inc. Plaster Sculpture After David Fisher "At Play"
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Still Life Oil Painting, Mid-20th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
C. Liton Copy Oil Painting After Cornelis Springer of Dutch Street Scene
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Sally Rosenbaum Floral Still Life Oil Painting, 21st Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
"The Phantom of the Opera" Signed Third National Tour Poster
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Oil Painting Portrait of a Nude Figure
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Pair of Danish Modern Teak and Custom-Upholstered Side Chairs, Mid-20th Century
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Block Langenthal Transition Interaction China Luncheon Set
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Gregorio Prestopino Watercolor and Ink Wash Painting "Little Grandma"
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Deborah Kriger Autumnal Landscape Oil Painting, Late 20th Century
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Bernard Gantner Limited Edition Color Lithograph "Étang sous la Pluie"
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
L. Hils Hafele Desert Landscape Acrylic Painting, 1989
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash