posted 12-09-2002 01:15 PM
On Friday, December 6, self-made multi-millionaire Bob Lorsch hosted a dinner party in honor of the 30th anniversary of Apollo 17. Rob Godwin of Apogee Books was invited and was kind enough to forward some pictures from the exclusive gathering. 
At 9:33pm PT (12:33am ET), the astronauts and other VIP guests in attendance gathered to toast the launch of Apollo 17, 30 years ago that moment. From left to right: Buzz Aldrin, James Lovell, Bill Shepherd, Daniel Goldin, Harrison Schmitt, Gene Cernan, Bradley O'Leary, Bob Lorsch, Nancy Conrad, Thomas Mattingly, and Congressman Brad Sherman.
Gene Cernan and Jack Schmitt describing their adventures during and since Apollo 17. Here Jack is throwing "bits of the Moon" -- rubber squeeze balls shaped like the Moon -- into the audience.
The organizers had the astronauts sign a large selection of memorabilia to be donated to various charities for their auctions (including The California Science Center in Los Angeles). Here is a selection of the material.
Former NASA Adminstrator Daniel Goldin signs memorabilia.
While in LA, Jack Scmitt and Gene Cernan signs copies of Apogee's Apollo 17 mission reports -- available for sale here: http://www.collectspace.com/buyspace/books.html#a17report
[Special thanks to Bobbie Volman, assistant to Robert H. "Bob" Lorsch, for providing additional details. Volman writes: "The Astronauts all seemed to have a wonderful time on Friday night at LorschLand, dubbed "the closest spot to the moon in Beverly Hills." The food was fabulous -- Wolfgang Puck Catering outdid themselves -- and what a privilege to be in the presence of these great men who came out to support the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation."]
posted 12-09-2002 01:15 PM
advertisement