Stone Hosts AIDS Charity Auction

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 10:03:35 -0000

Actress Sharon Stone has brought new meaning to “giving the clothes off your back” at a charity auction in Italy.

The 49 year old star of Basic Instinct hosted the auction in Rome on October 26, to raise money for the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR), a non-profit organization that supports AIDS research and prevention programs. During the evening, which was attended by guests such as model Eva Herzigova, film director Sophia Coppola, and actress Mira Sorvino, Stone responded to a request from the audience to auction the necklace she was wearing.

“I want you to know I love that necklace,” she said as she unhooked the clasp and put it up for sale. “I feel practically naked now.”

The necklace, crafted by British Crown jeweler Garrard, and featuring a wing-shaped pendant, sold for $50,000.

“$50,000 will fund an independent grant for a scientist working on a new AIDS initiative,” said Stone.

The night’s event, which raised a colossal $1.35 million for the charity, was a black tie and formal occasion, but this did not dampen Stone’s playful sense of humour.

“Romans, countrymen, lend me your wallets,” she said while greeting the guests. “Don’t flirt with me and not mean it.”

The Friday night auction also included a portrait of Italian actress Alida Valli by artist Francesco Vezzoli, which sold for $140,000, and a Fendi baguette purse signed by Stone that sold for $60,000.

Stone has been hosting AIDS fundraisers since 1995, and in October 2007 became the Global Fundraising Chairwoman for amfAR. The first charity auction held by the foundation in 1993 raised $200,000, but the auction held in Cannes in May 2007 raised $7 million. Stone joked that she never knows how successful the events will be.

“Every time I come here I think nobody will come and it will be a disaster and I will cry at the end,” said the Oscar nominee and mother of three. “But somewhere between $200,000 and $7 million will be a win.”

According to AmfAR, the organization has raised a total of $28 million from its charity auctions since 1993, and has invested more than $260 million to AIDS programs and research since its inception in 1985.

The next celebrity fundraising event for amfAR featuring Sharon Stone will be held in Dubai on December 10, and more information can be found at www.amfar.org.

Clooney and Others Auction "Dreams" For Martin Luther King III Foundation

Sun, 17 Dec 2006 10:18:28 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

Celebrities from the worlds of sports, entertainment and public service will offer unique personal experiences or memorabilia in an auction to benefit Realizing the Dream, Inc., the charity overseen by Martin Luther King III, eldest son of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and co-founded by former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young.

A total of 100 “Dreams” will be auctioned in waves, with the first 10 lots going under the hammer on December 21st. Additional Dreams will be added to the roster each Friday.

The first ten Dreams on offer are the following:

A private tour of the Yogi Berra Museum conducted by Yogi himself
Lunch with Walter Cronkite in New York
Join George Clooney at “Ocean’s 13” Movie Premiere and Private After Party
A private set tour with Michael and Mira Sorvino of their upcoming movie “The Trouble With Cali.” Also meet their father Paul Sorvino who directs and produces the film and their sister Amanda Sorvino, the screenwriter.
Jonathan Vilma will make a winning bidder his guest at a NY Jets Game and the recipient of his game jersey.
An opportunity to ring the Opening Bell at the New York Mercantile Exchange
NY Knicks-Luxury Suite, including 12 seats, for a Knicks game this 2006-2007 Season. This package includes food & drinks with TV commentators & player visits to the Luxury Suite.
NY Rangers-Luxury Suite, including 12 seats, for an Exciting Ranger Game this 2006-2007 season. This package includes food & drinks with TV commentators & player visits to the Luxury Suite.
Meet and Greet with New York Met David Wright on the field
Lunch with former UN Ambassador and Dr. King colleague Andrew Young

Realizing the Dream, Inc., with headquarters in Atlanta Georgia, is a non-profit organization dedicated to making Dr. King’s dream a reality for all. Realizing the Dream seeks to continue the legacy and work of Dr. and Mrs. King in wiping out poverty and injustice through programs that foster peace and nonviolent social change, empower poverty-stricken communities, and develop strong leaders among the nation’s youth. Monies raised from the auction will be used directly to carry out these programs.

“I am truly overwhelmed by the enormous response from celebrities all over the country,” said Mr. King. “With their help, the torch for justice, equality and community that my parents once held is uplifted. More important, their generous commitments in support of my quest to continue the work toward the elimination of poverty and suffering are a testament to my father’s belief in the Beloved Community.”

Bids can be made live on eBay or direct via supervising auctioneers Morphy Auctions.

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