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Animation legend Chuck Jones celebrated his 85th birthday on Sunday, September 21, 1997. To honor the occasion, Warner Bros. invited 500 of his friends, colleagues, fans and family members to a special evening honoring the four-time Academy Award-winner. Following a cocktail reception and viewing of Chuck Jones' personal art collection in Warner Bros. Museum's new Animation Gallery, Leonard Maltin hosted an evening of accolades by more than 20 people, peppered with a selection of classic films directed by Jones like, What's Opera Doc?, The Rabbit of Seville, Broom-Stick Bunny and One Froggy Evening. Among the speakers were voice artist June Foray, The Simpsons creator Matt Groening, Hope Freleng Shaw, daughter of the late animation director Friz Freleng, Warner Bros. Television Animation President and Kids WB! Programming President, Jean MacCurdy and numerous Warner Bros. executives. Pre-recorded salutations were also presented from the likes of Robin Williams, Ted Turner, Martin Scorcese, Phil Hartman and Quincy Jones. Even Bill and Hillary Clinton sent their regards to Chuck in the form of a letter read by Peter Starrett, President of Warner Bros. Studio Stores.

During the presentation, Warner Bros. confirmed and signed an "unprecedented long term agreement" with Chuck Jones, contracting him exclusively to create and develop projects and serve as a creative consultant to the studio. Jones has already been acting in a similar capacity through Chuck Jones Film Productions, which has produced several contemporary animated shorts using classic Warner Bros. characters. However, in his new role with the studio, Jones will serve more as an advisor than a producer or director. "It is an extraordinary pleasure for us to sign this unique agreement that guarantees this incomparable talent and legendary member of the Warner Bros. Animation family will continue to be a vital creative force for Warner Bros. as long as he wants," said Robert A. Daly and Terry Semel, Chairmen and Co-CEOs of Warner Bros., as quoted in an announcement of the deal between the studio and Chuck Jones.

Chuck Jones closed the evening on stage, sharing memories of his career in animation. He recalled the many letters he had sent to Walt Disney in his early years, and how Walt personally replied to each one. Later, when he met Walt, Chuck thanked him for those letters and Walt replied, "Well, of course, you're the only animator that ever wrote to me!" With this example, Chuck inspired everyone in the audience to take the time to acknowledge our peers' accomplishments, and write to them in appreciation.