Photo Flash: The Unveiling Of Jackson's Thriller To Benefit Tigers

The Roar Foundation was thrilled with the decision by Julien's Auctions to benefit the preserve. The only actress to have worked with both directors Alfred Hitchcock and Charlie Chaplin, Hedren who has worked tirelessly as a national advocate on behalf of the rights of all wildlife, with a focus on exotic felines says, "It costs $75,000 every single month to keep Shambala operational. This includes the compound upkeep, the best food, expert animal care, the best medical care for all of the wild ones including Thriller and Sabu. The Julien offer couldn't have come at a better time and we are extremely grateful." The Shambala Preserve has been rescuing big cats bred and born in captivity right here in the United States to be sold as pets or to be used for financial gain in "traditional" circuses, night club acts and roadside zoos. A legislative Bill that Hedren has co-authored, that will be presenting to Congress soon, would ban the domestic breeding of exotic felines and hopefully halt the purchasing of apex predators as pets and the inhumane abuse that occurs both before and after sales.

Julien's is known for specializing in entertainment memorabilia, Beatles memorabilia and rock memorabilia and is now the premier auction house in high-profile celebrity and entertainment auctions. The Thrillerù jacket is estimated to be worth between $200,000 to $400,000, but with recent auction successes such as Marilyn Monroe's "Seven Year Itch" dress and Audrey Hepburn's gown from "Breakfast at Tiffany's," going for millions over the estimated values, hopes ran high at the public unveiling of the "Thriller" jacket on June 22nd. Just like Monroe and Hepburn, Jackson's iconic jacket has become a piece of pop culture that left an indelible image in the minds of music fans worldwide.

Entrepreneur, CEO and founder of Slimmer Silhouette, Meggie Hale, who was among those in attendance at the unveiling remarked, "The event was an amazing sight to see, and served as a gorgeous tribute to such a brilliant man. The fact that proceeds are going to such a deserving cause, is just icing on an already enticing cake. I think Michael would be pleased to know that Thriller and Sabu are so well looked-after." Adding "I was just honored to be in attendance and excited to see such a good turnout. I look forward to being present on Sunday, and witnessing history when the actual jacket is auctioned off. Whomever purchases the Thriller jacket will certainly own a true piece of Americana."

For information on the auction or to place a bid on the "Thriller Jacket," you can go to Juliensauctions.com.

Photo Credit: Bill Dow