2016 Milbourne Christopher Foundation Awards

On June 25, more than one hundred magicians, their spouses, friends, relatives and former winners gathered at the Garde Arts Center in New London, Connecticut, for the 2016 Milbourne Christopher Foundation awards. This was the 25th anniversary of the program created in 1991, by the late Maurine Christopher, wife of Milbourne.

This was a new location for the Christopher Foundation awards which previously were presented at the S.A.M. national conventions. Founded in 1985, The Garde Arts Center, is a non-profit professional performing arts center nationally recognized for its unique architecture and multi-faceted programming. The Garde Theatre, one of the few remaining historic movie palaces in Connecticut, was built in 1926, during the golden era of the motion picture and vaudeville theatres.

The presentations were preceded by a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception. Afterward attendees moved to the ornately decorated Oasis Room where welcoming remarks were made by Santos Molina, Chairman of the Foundation. Board chair William V. Rauscher then presented awards to 2016’s winners.

Illusionist Award John Bundy and Morgan

The award for Outstanding Illusionist went to the magical team of John Bundy and Morgan. Bundy and Morgan were recognized for their Broadway-style theme shows like “Spooktacular,” “Magic in Toyland,” and “Skullduggery: A Magical Pirate Adventure.” Bundy draws from a warehouse of 85 themed illusions to create the shows. In addition to being Bundy’s longtime assistant, leading lady, business partner, and production manager, Morgan was recognized as a talented performer and escape artist in her own right. Each artist received an engraved plaque.

Mentalist Award Docc Hilford

Outstanding Mentalist was presented to Docc Hilford, an icon in the field. He started his career at 16, performing underwater escapes, fire eating and other unusual forms of entertainment. He was heavily influenced by the late Tony Andruzzi, Orville Meyer, Mike Skinner and Ormond McGill. Hilford edited The New Invocation and hosted “The Weird Weekend” from 1992 through 2000. He was a featured speaker and performer at The Smithsonian Institution, and in 2001, was honored at KIDabra for his comedy kid’s show. Friend, mentalist and former award winner Joe Curcillo offered some personal thoughts on his friend before the presentation.

Close-Up Award Meir Yedid

This year’s winner for Outstanding Close-Up was Meir Yedid, one of the most successful and enduring persons in the field of magic. In addition to his Finger Fantasies, which he created in 1979, Yedid has lectured in Asia, Australia, Europe, South America and throughout the U.S. As an author he has given the magic community more than 10 books on conjuring. Rauscher recognized him as well for his award-winning presentations and his original and creative contributions to magic. Former Christopher awardee Eric DeCamps offered some personal thoughts on his longtime friend prior to the award.

Ambassador of Magic Award
Bradley M. Jacobs

The Ambassador of Magic went to Bradley M. Jacobs, a force in the S.A.M. and the “behind-the-scenes” person responsible for what thousands of people enjoy when they go to the convention including the convention location, hotel selection and countless other details. Rauscher noted that Jacobs is the oldest former president of Parent Assembly #1, as well as the Past National President of the S.A.M. And, he was the youngest president since Houdini and is in the S.A.M. Hall of Fame. Jacobs has been a member of various National Council working committees and is a Trustee of the S.A.M. Magic Endowment Fund. He was recognized not only as a performer but for his outreach that extends beyond what most people realize. “I think Milbourne Christopher himself would have loved to give you this award, but here it is…on behalf of Christopher, with our respect and admiration,” Rauscher said.

Promising Young Magician Melissa Russo

Promising Young Magician went to Melissa Russo, a young lady who has distinguished herself in the magic community. She is not only an accomplished magician but also creates award-winning balloon sculptures. Russo was a member of the Society of Young Magicians Assembly 42 and was guided in her career by Dave Reid and PNP Bill Andrews. When only 12, she was the opening act for the S.A.M. national convention show in Buffalo. Her act is called “Magic by Melissa,” and although she is clearly part of the next generation of female magicians, she is currently in college studing meteorology.

Literary Award William Kalush

The Literary Award was presented to Bill Kalush, creator of the Conjuring Arts Research Center, and Ask Alexander, the world’s largest online database of books, documents, photographs and writings on conjuring and allied arts. He was recognized in part, for preserving magic’s past, updating the present state of the art and for the promise of future activities. Kalush also co-authored the top selling book, “Houdini: The Making of America’s First Superhero,” with his friend Larry Solomon. “His efforts place him in the vanguard of magic for being so unique, and he deserves every recognition possible,” Rauscher noted.

Lifetime Achievement Award Robert Little

The Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Bob Little, “The Wiz!” Little has been a dealer at more magic conventions, both in the U.S. and abroad and performed at more events than most people can imagine. His one-day “Super Sundays” have served as launching pads for young magicians, many of whom have gone on to professional careers. Little’s fascination with magic began with a Mysto Magic set and then later blossomed under the mentorship of Paul Rosini. He operates the successful Hatboro Magic shop from his home and has been called a “magic shop on wheels.” “He is a great performer and exudes a magical life and personality over a lifetime of experiences,” Rauscher said.

Following the awards, guests and awardees were entertained with the magic and comedy of Levent. A former Christopher Foundation award winner, he was a schoolboy when he first became interested in magic, and in his teenage years, was so skilled with coin, card and ball manipulation the he was considered a magic prodigy. Early in his career he opened for his idol, Richiardi, Jr. and is now writing a book about him. Levent has been featured on Masters of Illusion and performs on major cruise lines including, Disney, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Oceania, and Regent. He is the author of “Roy Benson by Starlight,” and an expert on Vaudeville. His show has toured in China, Korea, Japan, France, Italy, Finland and other countries. Attendees gave Levent a standing ovation at the conclusion of his performance.

The Milbourne Christopher Foundation was established by Maurine Christopher (1920-2013) to encourage excellence, originality and leadership in the magical arts and to help keep conjuring on a level with the other popular entertainment forms – dance, drama, comedy and music. Incorporated in New York State in 1991 and federally approved as a charitable operation, the foundation is supported by donations. Mr. Santos Molina is the chairman of the foundation. To make a donation to help perpetuate the Milbourne Christopher foundation, please send to the address below.

Mail Donations To –

The Milboune Christopher Foundation
420 Reed Rd.
Delhi, NY 13753

The Foundation Awards Committee is chaired by William V. Rauscher, with other member judges Thomas A. Ewing, David E. Haversat, Raymond J. Goulet, Tony Clark and Michael Miller. The Committee already has started the search for the 2017 award winners.

Past Milbourne Christopher Award Winners Winners include…

Robert J. Albo – Literary Award for his famed Classic Magic Series (2003)
Robert J. Albo & Phil Schwartz – Literary Award for Thayer Magic (2010)
Michael Baily – Lifetime Achievement Award (2004)
Banacheck – Mentalist Award (2010)
Larry Becker – Literary Award for Stunners (1993)
Bev Bergeron – Lifetime Achievement Award (2010)
Gay Blackstone – Ambassador of Magic Award (2009)
Gay Blackstone – Lifetime Achievement Award (2015)
Harry Blackstone, Jr. – Illusionist Award (posthumously) (1997)
David Ben – Masters Award (2013)
John Booth – Literary Award for his books and columns (1994)
David Bull – Illusionist Award (2000)
Eugene Burger – Literary Award (2000)
Lance Burton – Illusionist Award (1996)
Nathan Burton – Illusionist Award (2012)
Mirko Callaci – Newcomer Award (2004)
John Calvert – Illusionist Award (1998)
John and Tammy Calvert – Masters Award (2005)
Christopher Carter – Mentalist Award (2013)
Mike Caveney – Literary Award as author and publisher (1996)
Tony Chapek – Illusionist Award (2007)
David Charvet – Literary Award (2006)
James Cielen – Newcomer Award (1992)
Tony Clark – Newcomer Award (1990)
Danny Cole – Newcomer Award (2002)
Tim Conover – Mentalist Award (2005)
David Copperfield – Illusionist Award (1993)
Joseph Curcillo – Mentalist Award (2014)
Edwin Dawes – Literary Award for his body of work (1999)
Enrico and Lisa de la Vega – Newcomer Award 1998)
Eric DeCamps – Close-up Award (2013)
Irving Desfor – Lifetime Achievement Award (1993)
Lyn Dillies – Illusionist Award (2013)
Jeff and Tessa Evason – Mentalists Award (2003)
Fantasio – Master Award (2013)
Gary Frank – Literary Award (2015)
Greg Frewin – Illusionist Award (2009)
Karrell Fox – Lifetime Achievement Award (1997)
Joseph Gabriel – Illusionist Award (2010)
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Paul Gertner – Close-up Award (2012)
David Goodsell – Literary Award (2009)
Raymond J. Goulet – Lifetime Achievement Award (2013)
Lee Grabel – Lifetime Achievement Award (2006)
Michael Grasso – Illusionist Award (2011)
Dick and Joanne Gustafson – Lifetime Achievement Award (2009)
Dennis Haney – Master Award (2011)
John Harrison – Literary Award (2010)
Franz Harary – Illusionist Award (2001)
Rich Heath – Visual Magic Art Award (2014)
Chuck Hickok – Mentalist (2007)
Ardan James – Newcomer Award (2000)
Trent James – Promising Young Magician Award (2015)
Joshua Jay – Close-up Award (2011)
Todd Karr – Literary Award (2004)
Craig Karges – Mentalist Award (2015)
Richard Kaufman – Literary Award for his body of work (1995)
Andre Kole – Illusionist Award (1994)
Stan Kramien – Lifetime Achievement (2014)
Krystyn Lambert – Newcomer Award (2009)
Milt Larsen – Lifetime Achievement Award (2012)
Jason Latimer – Newcomer Award (2003)
Levent – Masters Award (2015)
Shin Lim – Most Promising Award (2013)
Losander – Illusionist Award (2006)
Robert Lund – Lifetime Achievement Award (1995)
Michael Giles and Staecy Jones (The Majestix) – Illusionists Award (2002)
Bill Malone – Close-up Award (2015)
Frances Marshall – Lifetime Achievement Award (1999)
Max Maven – Literary Award as a Prolific Author and Editor (2002)
Jeff McBride – Illusionist Award (2003)
Billy McComb – Lifetime Achievement Award (2000)
Mike Miller – Ambassador of Magic Award (2010)
Stephen Minch – Literary Award (1998)
Hank Moorehouse – Lifetime Achievement Award (2011)
Norm Nielsen – Lifetime Achievement Award (2001), Masters Award (2009)
Ryan Oakes – Newcomer Award (2006)
Daniel Ortiz – Close-up Award (2014)
Richard Osterlind – Mentalist Award (2006)
Christian & Katrina Painter – Mentalists Award (2011)
Johnny Ace Palmer – Close-up Award (2010)
Cesareo Pelaez – Illusionist Award (1995)
Channing Pollock – Lifetime Achievement Award (2003)
Jon Racherbaumer – Literary Award (2005)
Alex Ramon – Illusionist Award (2014)
William V. Rauscher – Literary Award (1991 and 2007)
Charles Reynolds – Masters Award (2002)
Adele Rhindress – Ambassador of Magic Award 2015)
Barrie Richardson – Mentalist Award (2009)
Ben Robinson – Literary Award (1990)
Darren Romeo – Newcomer Award (1996)
Fergus Roy – Literary Award for his four volumes The Davenport Story (2012)
Marvyn Roy – Illusionist Award (1990)
Marvyn & Carol Roy – Lifetime Achievement Award (2007)
Marc Salem – Mentalist Award (2004)
Dale Salwak – Masters Award (2014)
George Schindler – Lifetime Award (2005)
William J. Schmeelk – Illusion Creator Award (1998)
S. H. Sharpe – Literary Award (1992)
Shimshi – Newcomer Award (2005)
Siegfried & Roy – Illusionist Award (1991)
Kenneth Silverman – Literary Award (1997)
Alan Slaight – Literary Award (2001)
Jim Steinmeyer – Illusion Creator Award (1996)
Jim Steinmeyer – Literary Award (2014)
Jon Stetson – Mentalist Award (2012)
The Spencers – Illusionists Award (2015)
Cyril Takayama – Newcomer Award (1993)
Johnny & Pam Thompson – Masters Award (2010)
Topas – Newcomer Award (1989)
Topas and Roxanne – Illusionists Award (2004)
Bob Torkova – Newcomer Award (1994)
Adrian Van Vactor – Newcomer Award (1994)
T. A. Waters – Literary Award (1989)
Don Wayne – Illusion Creator Award (1999)
Peter West – Newcomer Award (2007)
Barry Wiley – Literary Award (2013)
Frances Willard – Illusionist Award (1992)
Greg Wilson – Newcomer Award (1991)
Mark and Nani Wilson – Lifetime Achievement Award (2002)