Honoring Bob Iger
February 10, 2000 Waldorf-Astoria

12:30 Welcome by Regis Philbin

Good afternoon and welcome to the UJA-Federation lunch. Each year, this luncheon raises hundreds of thousands of dollars, money used by 101 separate social service agencies to help a lot of needy people. This year’s luncheon is the most successful yet of the media division.

It may not reach a million dollars. But hey, start dialing, and come on my show. You might win big, and then you could donate big.

This year, the UJA has chosen to honor a guy I happily call my boss – Bob Iger, who has been the president of ABC and was just promoted to President of The Walt Disney Company. We knew him when! Bob is being honored today because of his numerous achievements in the industry, and his many contributions to the community. At UJA, Bob is known for dedicating himself to one or two projects that have special meaning to him. As a result, he really does make a difference in people’s lives.
12:34 Regis Philbin Introduces Ed Bleier

And now, I’d like to turn the program over to Ed Bleier, president of Warner Brothers NY operations and co-chair of the Entertainment, Media and Communications division of the UJA-Federation. Ed is also a 15-year alumnus of ABC. And, here’s a little trivia for you — he and I worked together years ago, when I was on the Joey Bishop Show.

Ed sets tone and makes tribute to Bob Iger

12:36 Ed Bleier introduces Marty Pompadur
Marty Pompadur gives tribute to Leonard Goldenson
and makes remarks about Bob Iger

12:38 Marty Pompadur introduces Howard Rubenstein
Thank you (UJA-Federation) by Howard Rubenstein

12:40 Blessing Before Meal by Howard Rubenstein

12:42 Regis Philbin

Please enjoy your lunch . . . we’ll be back in a few minutes.

12:42 Lunch (Preset) (30 Minutes to ensure plates get picked up)

 
1:15 PROGRAM BEGINS- Regis Philbin introduced

Welcome back. We have a very special program today. And, as it happens, this is a special day for another reason. Today is our honoree, Bob Iger’s, birthday! I thought it would be fun if we all mortify him together and sing “Happy Birthday!”

Regis leads audience in singing…

1:15 Music: Happy Birthday Bob; Regis intros any “special
guests” (Willow Bay and others). Regis intros Barbara
Walters

And now it is my great pleasure to introduce one of the most respected and well-known journalists in the world. There’s no question that Barbara Walters has the best Rolodex in the business. Here at ABC, she does double, triple and quadruple duty: the award-winning newsmagazine “20/20,” her numerous specials, the hit morning show, “The View” and dozens of other things she takes on. And today, we have a special edition of “The View” – let’s call it “The View on Bob Iger.”

Here to introduce “The View” is its creator, co-owner and co-executive producer – Barbara Walters…

1:18 Barbara Walters introduces Video from The View

1:20 Video

1:22 Barbara recognizes View talent

1:25 Regis Philbin introduces Joy Behar

Thanks, Barbara, that was terrific. You caught a glimpse of our next guest on that tape and she’s as multi-talented as they come. She’s a best-selling author and nationally known comedienne. The View’s Joy Behar, here to toast the birthday boy. Those of you who know Joy are now saying “Good luck, Bob!”

1:24 Joy Behar performs

1:29 Regis Philbin introduces Barbara Walters

Gee, Bob, think of how much worse it would have been if it hadn’t been your birthday! And now, we turn to the real business of the day. Here again…Barbara Walters…

1:33 Presentation of Award by Barbara Walters

1:37 Acceptance of Award by Bob Iger

1:42 Closing Remarks by Regis Philbin and Ed Bleier

Regis: Thank you very much for coming…
Ed: Thank you for your support…