03/20/2021
Over a decade ago, through our dear friend and Disney aficionado Bob Berdin, IGB Collectible Balls was introduced to the Disney D23 Expo where we came to befriend some of the most creative behind the scenes professionals, who brought Disney alive way back when. Some of these professionals that we became friends with and want to highlight, include: Bob Gurr, Willie Ito and Margaret Kerry
For nearly 40 years, Bob Gurr has helped move many a happy Disney theme park guest aboard vehicles and ride conveyances of his own design. Bob has developed more than 100 designs for attractions ranging from Autopia and Matterhorn Bobsleds to the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Monorail, and more.
In 1954, Willie Ito is an American Animator. Ito joined Walt Disney Studios where he began his animation career as an in-betweener on the “Lady” unit of the feature film, Lady and the Tramp, illustrating the movie's famous spaghetti-eating scene. Ito later joined Warner Bros. Pictures, and then Hanna-Barbera where remained for over 14 years, working on the layouts and background for such series as The Jetsons, The Flintstones and The Yogi Bear Show, and designed characters like the title characters from Hong Kong Phooey and Goober and the Ghost Chasers.
Margaret Kerry formerly known as Peggy Lynch, is an American actress, author, motivational speaker, radio host, and performance model best known for her 1953 work as the model for Tinker Bell in the Walt Disney Animation Studios animated feature film, Peter Pan. Kerry later made her TV debut in one of the first network sitcoms, The Charlie Ruggles Show on ABCTV. Kerry has been a leading voice over talent, producer, writer and host of What's Up Weekly on KKLA-FM Los Angeles.
In following our first experience at the Disney D23 Expo, IGB Collectible Balls, Ken Scott, Marti Soroka has set out on a path to continue to acknowledge and recognize these professionals by designing customized pieces in their honor.