3 million dollars for the fight against AIDS is the result of the most successful charitable auction in the Ukraine!
As a result of the ANTIAIDS charity auction, 3 million dollars were raised - the largest amount ever raised for charity in the Ukraine. This was not the only record broken that evening, as the auction also saw the second most expensive lot sold in the Ukraine's auction history.
The work ‘In Love' by exceptionally talented contemporary artist Damien Hirst, was sold for 2.4 million USD. There were also unexpected lots donated by Wladimir Klitschko as well as by the guest of honour himself, President Clinton. All proceeds of the auction will be donated to the Elena Pinchuk ANTIAIDS Foundation for an extended collaborative project with the Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative (CHAI).
President Clinton opened the dinner with a speech devoted to the importance of the fight against the AIDS epidemic; he placed great emphasis on the strength of individuals involved and the progress made so far thanks to them. Hosts Victor and Elena Pinchuk also gave special thanks to all the guests present for their support and generosity.
"Together with the current humanitarian leader, President Clinton - we've been running a joint project in the Ukraine for several years. During this time we have determined the areas that need to be prioritized. It is rapid testing that gives us the chance to break the chain of virus transmission and stop the epidemic. That's why we've placed focus of this charitable auction on improving access to rapid testing throughout the Ukraine."
The main lot of the auction was the heart shaped painting "In Love", by artist Damien Hirst. The painting is coated in yellow household gloss and is encrusted with cubic zirconium and butterflies. As one of the world's most successful living artists, Mr Hirst's contribution to the charity auction made a huge impact on the end result. The painting was sold for almost 2.5 million USD. This was 17.5 times the original bidding price of the lot.
One of the unexpected lots donated for the charity auction were exclusive tickets to the fight between Vitaliy Klitchko and Shannon Briggs taking place on 16th October, which were kindly donated by Vitaliy's brother Wladimir Klitchko. The other generously donated lot was lunch with guest of honour President Clinton. Together these two lots sold for more that 300 000 USD.
An exclusive lot was also donated by designer fashion label Pucci. The donated dress, the only one of its kind, was from Pucci's latest collection shown on the 25th of September in Milan by Laudomia Pucci, daughter of the legendary designer. The dress was sold for 102 000 USD.
The auction began with a lot donated by luxury Jewelry specialists Van Cleef and Arpels. The item up for auction was Secret Dentelle, a uniquely designed gold watch. The item was sold for 75 000 USD.
Each guest that attended the dinner also made a donation toward the project aimed at improving access to rapid testing in the Ukraine - raising an additional 220 000 USD for the charity.
Photogallery
