Special care package of items sent by Michael Jackson in mid-1984 to David Garcia of Weslaco, Texas, a 7-year-old child suffering from leukemia, whose mother was able to contact Jackson’s management company through local radio stations. The group lot includes a TLS signed in black ink by Jackson and a rare “Thriller Party” invitation glove:
The TLS, one page, 7.25 x 10.5, Frank M. DiLeo Artist Management letterhead, June 23, 1984, in full: “I am sorry to hear that you are not feeling well. I know this must be a very difficult time for you. Whenever I am sick, I like to get a note from someone who cares. I hope you start feeling better soon. Sometimes it is hard to be strong, but I know that if you hang in there, together we can ‘BEAT IT’! I Love You.” Includes its original mailing envelope.
A rare white invitation glove for the “Michael Jackson Thriller Party,” an album release event held at the American Museum of Natural History in New York on February 7, 1984. The cotton right-hand glove with wrist snap, 9.5″ in length, features stamped information: “Walter Yetnikoff, Don Dempsey, Allen Davis, Invite you to a Michael Jackson Thriller Party, 2/7/84, 9PM, American Museum of Natural History, CPW at 79th St., Black Tie, RSVP Susan Blond, Epic Records, 975 5154.”
Also includes two colorful 3 x 5.25 ticket stubs for “The Jacksons Victory Tour” concert held at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas, on July 15, 1984; these were personally procured by Jackson for Garcia and his mother. In overall fine condition, with some scattered light foxing to the glove material.
Accompanied by a letter of provenance from the original recipient: “My name is David R. Garcia. In 1984, I had cancer and was being treated at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. I was one of Michael Jackson’s biggest fans at the time. I still am. My mother, after many attempts, was able to make communication with Michael’s management team. One afternoon coming back from treatment, a member of Michael’s management team was waiting for me…He told us that Michael had sent him personally to give us two tickets to the Victory Tour Concert at Texas Stadium…We were able to make the concert. It was amazing…
A few days later and back at home, I received a package in the mail and a letter. In the package was the white glove invitation to the Thriller Party in New York City…Unfortunately due to my health at the time, I was not able to attend the Thriller Party. The letter, tickets, and invitation allowed me to forget how sick I was at the time. It felt good to know that a celebrity would take time out of their busy schedule to help a child feel better.”
