An estimated 50 Playmates returned to the hallowed grounds of the Playboy Mansion on April 25 to see Hef name 24-year-old Bakersfield, California native Dalene Kurtis the 2002 Playmate of the Year. The Sultan of Silicon -- as guest MC/Pretty Woman director Guest MC Garry Marshall dubs Hef the "Duke of Derrieres." dubbed Hef -- said Dalene was an "overwhelming favorite of Playboy readers," and the beautiful blonde bombshell certainly was overwhelmed with joy after the announcement.

"I've never had to give a speech before," she said, "and my Dad has never had to see my bare ass until today." Giant photos from Dalene's 10-page spread in the June 2002 issue hung underneath the tent in Hef's back yard while Playmates throughout the decades -- ranging from 1972 Playmate of the Year Liv Lindeland to 2001 Playmate of the Year Brande Roderick -- lined up to congratulate Dalene.

"It's the only contest where you'd like to meet the 12th runner-up," Marshall joked before introducing Hef. After inviting Dalene to the podium for her speech, Hef awarded her with the keys to a red classic 1950 Chevrolet truck and purple Buell Blast motorcycle, along with a check for $100,000.

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