It started out as a small lunch date: a contest with the winner and I flying out to Carmel, California, meeting with Doris Day, and the three of us lunching, talking and picture-taking. Well, it winds up as a banquet!
I've known Doris Day for many years. Last March, on return from a vacation in Japan with my wife, we detoured to Carmel. Over lunch, I mentioned how the WPEN listeners would give so much to be doing this very thing, and how I'd love to run a contest with the winner coming out for a "Date with Doris Day." "Dodo" said it was fine with her, so the planning started.
Our sister stations in Washington, D.C. (WWRC) and Long Island, N.Y. (WGSM) got wind of the contest and asked if they couldn't get in on it too. (They play the same "Great Stars and Great Songs" as WPEN.) The response at all three stations was sensational.
(Left to right) Carol Holmes, Collen Patton (partially hidden), Dean Tyler, Joe Niagara, Doris Day
Bunny Deck (partially hidden), Al Holmes, Gloria Hess, Evelyn Niagara and Ted Hess
Carmel, California
July 1986
On the weekend of July 11th, WPEN's winning couple (Ted & Gloria Hess of Langhorne), The Washington winners (Bunny Deck and Colleen Patton), and the Long Island couple (Mr. & Mrs. Alfred Holmes), all met with Dean Tyler, (WPEN's Program Director), my wife Evelyn and I at J.F.K. Airport in New York. Within minutes, it was like everybody knew one another for ages.
We flew Pan Am into San Francisco and then motored in luxurious comfort to Monterey. After check in at the Doubletree Hotel, we explored the Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf area. The next day, Saturday, everybody was ready - "A Date with Doris Day!"
Midday, we all went to the Highlands Inn, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, for our lunch date. I then drove out to pick up our guest of honor. Doris was ready and away we went.
After the excitement of the introductions, Doris put everyone at ease around the table. She signed pictures, books, album covers and answered all the questions these wonderful fans asked.
(Left to right) Doris Day, Joe Niagara and Evelyn Niagara
Carmel, California
July 1986
When lunch was over, three hours later, she invited everyone to stop off at her beautiful house on a hilltop in Carmel Valley. This was a bonus none of us expected! They all asked for and received bumper stickers and information on the "Doris Day Pet Foundation." It was a weekend they'll never forget!
I've since received letters and snapshots from all the winning couples with glowing, fond remembrances of that once-in-a-lifetime weekend.
And one of our listeners who didn't win sent in this suggestion: "Why not stage a Doris Day Convention in Carmel? They've done it for Sinatra." What do you think?
From the official archives of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia
Article and photos originally donated by Broadcast Pioneers member Charlie Mills
Reprinted from the "WPEN Listener's Club Newsletter" from October/December 1986
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