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
KitchenAid Artisan Series Yellow 5 Quart Stand Mixer With Accessories
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
14K Enameled Champagne Bottle Charm
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
14K Rectangular Drop Link Earrings
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Elizabeth Lincoln for Rookwood Pottery Floral Design Ceramic Vase, 1930
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Grey Iron Casting Co. "Queen" Cast Iron Miniature Reproduction Toy Stove
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
18K White Sapphire Cluster Earrings
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Walter Stomps Abstract Geometric Acrylic Painting "Galactic Border No. 1"
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
English Cut Glass Decanters with Sterling Silver Rims and Decanter Tags, 1930s
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Dee Sudbury Impressionist Landscape Oil Painting Of Flower Field, Late 20th C.
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Henredon Houndstooth-Upholstered English Roll-Arm Easy Chair
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Mahogany-Stained X-Back Armchair, Manner of Barbara Barry
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
1950s Rhinestone Miriam Haskell Brooch
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Watson Sterling Baby Utensils with Floral Motif and Dog Portrait
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
18K Lattice Pendant Necklace
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
N. Ming Stylized Oil Portrait, 21st Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Drexel Custom-Painted and Parcel-Gilt Media Armoire, Late 20th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
French Miniature Tea Service and Dinnerware with Presentation Case
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Jack Meanwell Abstract Oil Pastel Drawing, Late 20th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Large Louis XV Style Painted Trumeau Mirror
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash