Sotheby's to Auction 75 Specially Designed Mickey Statues as Finale to Mickey Mouse's 75th Anniversary Celebration; September 27, 2005 Auction in New York Will Benefit 50 Charities

Statues Decorated by Ben Affleck, Ellen Degeneres, Annette Funicello, Tom Hanks, Sir Elton John, Shaquille O'Neal and John Travolta, among Others

On September 27, 2005, Sotheby's (NYSE:BID) and The Walt Disney Company (NYSEIS) will conclude the celebration of Mickey Mouse's 75th anniversary by auctioning 75 uniquely-designed statues of Mickey, an icon of American popular culture beloved for more than three generations. The statues, which have toured the country since Mickey's 75th anniversary on November 18, 2003, are part of a special tribute entitled "Celebrate Mickey: 75 InspEARations." Each statue, individually-decorated by notable Disney legends, artists, actors, musicians or athletes, is 6-feet-tall and weighs more than 700 pounds. The proceeds of the sale of each Mickey statue will benefit 50 deserving charities, designated by the artist of each statue.