On Thursday evening, June 2, 1983 Lucille Ball was honored by the March of Dimes with the Jack Benny Memorial Award at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. Guests for the event included Julie Andrews, Bob Hope, Jack Lemmon, Dean Martin and Gregory Peck. Close friend and fellow comedian Carol Burnett presented Lucy the award for lifelong contributions to the world of entertainment and her dedicated support of charitable causes.
The award is actually an enameled wood music box that measures roughly 9 inches by 5 inches and features a bronze plaque on the inside engraved “March of Dimes Jack Benny Memorial Award presented to Lucille Ball – June 2, 1983” along with a depiction of Benny’s signature violin and the March of Dimes logo.
The exterior lid is adorned with a decorative antique porcelain rose from the People’s Republic of China, crafted circa 1862-74 by Tung Chih. Also shown here is an original silver program from the ceremony with an illustration sketch of Lucille on the cover. Ball also signed it on the front as well inside with an inscription “To Eddy.” The program is filled with photos and salutations from various celebrities, friends, industry leaders and networks.
