Offered is an invitation ticket for “President Kennedy’s Birthday Party May 19, 1962 Madison Square Garden Gala All Star Show.” The 4 x 8 inch white card perforated card has red and white printed letters on the front and a black & white head and shoulder photograph of Pres. Kennedy. The ticket is for the End Balcony, Sec. 313, Row F, Seat 3, with a “Contribution $10. Per Person” for “New York’s Birthday Salute to the President, Inc. Sponsored by the State and National Democratic Committees and Citizens for Kennedy.” The back of the ticket has a small disclaimer and printer’s union legend. According to newspaper and film accounts of the evening at the old Madison Square Garden in New York City, this event was attended by over 15,000 guests including Vice President Lyndon Johnson, New York Mayor Wagner, and members of the Kennedy family.

     The event was a celebration of Kennedy’s 45th birthday, 10 days before the actual date (May 29). Pres. Kennedy gave a speech at the event, which was a fundraiser for the Democrat party, but most famously, he was serenaded with a special version of “Happy Birthday” by Marilyn Monroe. She sang the traditional “Happy Birthday to You” lyrics in a sultry, intimate voice, with “Mr. President” inserted as Kennedy's name. Afterwards, as an enormous birthday cake was presented to him, President Kennedy came on stage and joked about Monroe's version of the song, saying, "I can now retire from politics after having had Happy Birthday sung to me in such a sweet, wholesome way," alluding to Marilyn's delivery, skintight dress, and image as a sex symbol. The performance was one of her last major public appearances before Monroe’s death less than three months later on August 5, 1962. Kennedy served as the 35th President of the United States from January 1961 until his assassination in November 1963.

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