Costuming Experts Authenticate Jacket Homeless Heiress of F.W. Woolworth Purchased for a Dime Was Michael Jackson's

Costuming Experts Authenticate Jacket Homeless Heiress of F.W. Woolworth Purchased for a Dime Was Michael Jackson's

DETROIT, June 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A woman who never got so much as a nickel from the fortune left by her great grandfather--five and dime store magnate F.W. Woolworth--finally caught a break after living most of her adult life destitute, homeless and on welfare.

Judi Woolworth Donahue's thrift store purchase for a dime is being hailed as the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat.

"You are very lucky to have such a valuable item in your possession," wrote Billy Wilson, President of Motown Alumni Association after authenticating the garment to be a valuable costume worn by Jackson when he appeared on the Wayne Newton Show of the late 60's or early 70's.

"This is like a gift from heaven," said Ms. Donahue, who retained TransMedia Group, a South Florida-based public relations firm that took her on as a client for a monthly fee of one dime.

"We're happy for Judi and now maybe her ship has finally come in," said TransMedia Founder Tom Madden (www.transmediagroup.com).

According to Wilson, who first examined the coat years ago, Michael Jackson himself remembered wearing it in his early performances. Wilson advised Ms. Donahue to consider getting the jacket insured.

"We based our evaluation on a number of evidential materials, including our noticing Jackson was wearing the jacket mentioned in footage we obtained from the Wayne Newton Show," said Wilson.

The exact date of the show is unknown, but when compared with other Newton footage within that time period, and the topic of interest during that time, we estimate that the time period was between 1969 -1971, he said.

The year 1968 was the beginning of the Jackson 5's professional career as a family.

According to Wilson, "history indicates that Michael's mother (Katherine and sister Rebbie) was making the Jackson 5's costumes in the early years. When examining other Jackson costumes of the early years the seams, and clothing tag are virtually exactly the same. The hand written signature on the garment is virtually the same as the signatures on earlier Jackson 5 garments."

He concluded saying:

"We are satisfied that the jacket you've submitted is the former apparel of Michael Jackson formerly of the Jackson 5, and is authentic in its originality."

CONTACT: Adrienne Mazzone

561-750-9800 x210

amazzone@transmediagroup.com

SOURCE Motown Alumni Association

Motown Alumni Association

CONTACT: Adrienne Mazzone of TransMedia, +1-561-750-9800 x210, amazzone@transmediagroup.com

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