Anonymous Florida Donor Pays Tribute with Rare Signed Book Purchased for $850,000.

Babar Book Brings Big Bucks with Bush Signatures

JENSEN BEACH, Fla. -- Thanksgiving has come early for Hibiscus Children's Center, a nonprofit organization that cares for abused and neglected children on the Treasure Coast of Florida. A gracious benefactor, who is passionate about assisting needy children worldwide and wishes to remain anonymous, today purchased for $850,000 The Travels of Babar co-signed by former First Lady Barbara Bush and her son, Jeb Bush, the 43rd Governor of Florida.

The book is part of a larger collection up for auction this week through November 24 that includes signed childhood favorite books from some of the most famous people in world, including President Obama, Maya Angelou, John Glenn, Jimmy Buffett, Hugh Hefner, Tiger Woods, Senator John McCain, Oprah Winfrey, Jack Nicklaus and Jane Goodall. As a way to raise money for a literacy project within the children's shelter, volunteer Karla Preissman asked iconic figures if they would sign a copy of their favorite childhood book for a benefit auction. More than 85 celebrities agreed, with their selections as varied and curious as the people who signed them.

The anonymous benefactor was moved by the exhibit of the collected books entitled Imaginations CanO on display at the Stuart, Florida-based Elliott Museum and made his donation in memory of the former advocate of Florida farmers, Jose Luis Rodriguez, who died earlier this year.

"Book historians and keepers of bibliographical records will be scurrying about trying to find a comparable gesture in the annals of literary auctions," said nationally renowned book expert Nicholas Basbanes. "I can tell them right now this one stands alone, all by itself. Truly remarkable."

Of the 80+ books collected, The Travels of Babar was the first book submitted to Karla Preissman. "I was astounded that the former Governor of Florida was so quick to respond to my request," said Preissman. "It tickles me to think of Jeb Bush curled up on his mom's lap listening to this story. It's poetically fitting that the first in the collection is also the first to leave, and with such a remarkable gesture."

For the complete listing of signed books and information about bidding, go to www.littleauctionthatcould.org. To see the collection firsthand, visit the exhibition at the Elliott Museum in Stuart, Florida (www.elliottmuseumfl.org) through November 29, 2009.

Founded in 1985, Hibiscus Children's Center is a nonprofit organization that addresses abuse and neglect issues throughout the Florida Treasure Coast. Programs include Foster Care, parental support, counseling for families in crisis and services to reunite children with their families, when appropriate. www.hibiscuschildrenscenter.org.

NOTE TO EDITORS: High res images of signed Babar book available upon request

A sampling of celebrity signed books:

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