Curiozity Corner: Tonner Leading Ladies Of The Wizard of Oz Doll Charity Auction

Press Release

BURBANK, Calif., May 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) and Tonner Doll Company, Inc. announced today a slate of prominent high-end fashion and costume designers who have signed on to create one-of-a-kind looks, modeled on Tonner's 22-inch dolls, for the Leading Ladies of The Wizard of Oz program. In conjunction with the celebration of the 75^th Anniversary of the classic film, designers including Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan Atelier, Herve Leger by Max Azria and more will design glamorous costumes inspired by Dorothy, Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West. The haute couture dolls will make their debut during New York Fashion Week at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) on September 4, at which time they will be available for bidding on eBay for a charity auction, with all proceeds contributing to the "There's No Place Like Home" campaign benefiting Habitat for Humanity.

"Seventy-five years after The Wizard of Oz first captured the hearts of audiences, WBCP and Tonner Doll are excited to bring new life and a modern flare to the film's beloved characters," said Karen McTier, executive vice president, Domestic Licensing and Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. "And with the help of an incredibly talented roster of prestigious fashion designers, the Leading Ladies of The Wizard of Oz are going to transform the Yellow Brick Road into an unforgettable runway."

Joining the creative endeavor to design one-of-a-kind doll looks inspired by the Leading Ladies of The Wizard of Oz are fashion designers Reem Acra, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Erickson Beamon, Chris Benz, Carlos Falchi, Douglas Hannant, Marc Jacobs, Betsey Johnson, Donna Karan Atelier, Byron Lars, Herve Leger by Max Azria, Jenny Packham, Charlotte Ronson, Anna Sui, Trina Turk, Carmen Marc Valvo, Sue Wong, and costume designers including Colleen Atwood, Ruth Myers, and Lyn Paolo, in partnership with actress Kerry Washington.

"These creations are beyond expectation – inspired, visionary and absolutely enchanting from head to toe," said Robert Tonner, Tonner Doll Company CEO and acclaimed doll artist. "This is The Wizard of Oz and its leading ladies in a way you've never seen them before. Each doll is quite…bewitching, to say the least, and we are thrilled and honored to be a part of both the anniversary celebration, and generating proceeds for such a worthy cause."

Beginning September 4, the dolls will be on display to the public at FIT and available for bidding by fans on eBay Giving Works. The online charity auction, managed by Auction Cause, will continue until September 14, with gross proceeds supporting Habitat for Humanity's work to create decent, safe, and affordable housing in partnership with low-income families. Visit www.WizardofOzDollAuction.com for charity auction details.

"Habitat for Humanity is so very grateful for the support of Tonner Doll Company and all the designers contributing to this creative effort," said Lysa Ratliff, senior director of Corporate Programs for Habitat for Humanity International. "This is a wonderful new element to our partnership with Warner Bros., as we work together to advance Habitat's mission to create simple, decent and affordable housing."

Beginning last year, Warner Bros. and Habitat for Humanity teamed up for the "There's No Place Like Home" campaign, featuring themed initiatives and events in celebration of the 75^th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz. The ongoing program, which brings the most memorable line from the classic film to life, offers a dedicated website where consumers can support the campaign, which can be found at www.TheWizardofOz.com/Habitat

About Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

About Tonner Doll Company, Inc.
Headquartered in Kingston, New York, Tonner Doll Company, Inc. develops and markets high quality collectible Character Figures and Dolls like TWILIGHT, Marilyn Monroe, Gone With The Wind, The Wizard of Oz, DC Stars, and more, as well as fashion dolls such as Tyler Wentworth™, Antoinette™, Deja vu™, and Cami & Jon™.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International's vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Anchored by the conviction that safe and affordable housing provides a critical foundation for breaking the cycle of poverty, Habitat has helped more than 4 million people construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes since 1976. Habitat also advocates for fair and just housing policies and provides training and access to resources to help more families improve their shelter conditions. As a nonprofit Christian housing organization, Habitat works in more than 70 countries and welcomes people of all races, religions and nationalities to partner in its mission. To get more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit habitat.org.

About Auction Cause
Auction Cause, a premier cause marketing agency, works with top brands, celebrities and nonprofits on their cause marketing and social media programs. For more information, please visit auctioncause.com or call them at 323-655-0554 to learn about their unique services.

About FIT
The Fashion Institute of Technology, a part of the State University of New York, has been a leader in career education in art, design, business, and technology for nearly 70 years. Providing students with a singular blend of hands-on, practical experience, classroom study, and a firm grounding in the liberal arts, FIT offers a wide range of outstanding programs that are affordable and relevant to today's rapidly changing industries. FIT draws on its New York City location to provide a vibrant, creative community in which to learn. The college offers more than 45 majors and grants AAS, BFA, BS, MA, MFA, and MPS degrees, preparing students for professional success and leadership in the global marketplace. Visit fitnyc.edu.

WIZARD OF OZ and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Turner Entertainment Co. (s14)