Historic “National Button Society” Hotel Continental Kansas City, Missouri program, 5.5” x 8.5,” signed in blue ballpoint pen by Walt E. Disney, Bob Hope, and one other. This People-to-People International (PTPI) dinner event Honored Walt Disney and Bob Hope with a Distinguished Service Award and was attended by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. People to People International is a program established on September 11, 1956, Eisenhower and intended to enhance international understanding and friendship through educational, cultural, and humanitarian activities involving the exchange of ideas and experiences directly among peoples of different countries and diverse cultures. Walt Disney was presented the award by President Eisenhower for advancing PTPI cause through motion pictures and Television, while Bob Hope was awarded and recognized for advancing the cause through unusual personal diplomacy.
Eisenhower said Walt was a man "who has spread more understanding of the fun loving American than anyone else and has brought joy to the hearts of many people, both young and old." Walt replied, "I haven't been conscious I've done anything. I've been going along my own way, doing things I had always wanted to do as a boy in Kansas City. I now find that at the same time, I've been serving a good cause." Bob Hope said during the event: “General Eisenhower called me and sounded like he was talking to a segreant,” Hope recalled, “So I said I’d Better Come.”
Encapsulated by Beckett/BAS Authentication to an overall size of 9” x 12.” Accompanied by the original newspaper clipping from “The Kansas City Star,” ownership tag (autograph was obtained on October 8th, 1966 by Mrs. Voss) and a pair of Vintage Walt Disney Production Buttons commemorating the event. This offering is one-of-a-kind, tying together two extraordinary Hollywood figures—Disney and Hope— in addition to being one of the last awards events Walt Disney attended two months preceding his passing.