June 20, 1963 - President Kennedy became the first patron of the “PT-109” film premiere for the benefit of mentally handicapped and emotionally disturbed children today by sending his personal check for $1,000 to the premiere committee. The film, starring Cliff Robertson (pictured with the President in April), was adapted by Vincent Flaherty and Howard Sheehan from the book “PT 109: John F. Kennedy in World War II” by Robert J. Donovan. Harry J. Volk, honorary chairman, announced receipt of the check at a meeting of the men’s committee for the benefit performance July 2 at the Beverly Hilton, the first time a major motion picture has been premiered outside a theater. Proceeds, expected to top $100,000, will be used for the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Child Study Center in Santa Monica, Calif., an outpatient clinic of St. John’s Hospital. Mrs. Peter Lawford, President Kennedy’s sister, is general chairman of the premiere, aided by Mrs. Kirk Douglas and Edward F. Baumer. The center is named for the President’s older brother, killed in action as a Navy pilot during World War II.
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