By Sonya Davidson
You may have heard some of the buzz around the recent (RED) Auction at Sotheby's in New York -- a collaboration between Sir Jonathan Ive, designer Marc Newson and Bono. On the auction block were high-end, one-of-a-kind items with design and innovation in mind. An incredible amount of over $12.8 million was raised from the event with all proceeds going to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Africa.
Some of the highlights...
- A (RED) Mac Pro (estimate $40,000- $60,000) sold for a stunning amount of $977,000
- A Pair of solid rose gold earpods (estimated $20,000-$25,000) sold for $261,000
- Steinway & Sons Unique "Red Pops for (RED)" parlor grand model a piano (estimated $150,000 - $200,000) sold for $1,925,000
- Damien Hirst "Beautiful Vainglorious Spin Chair" and "Beautiful Poker Face Spin Chair" (estimated $30,000-$35,000) sold for $137,000
- Jony Ive and Marc Newson (RED) Desk (esimate $300,000-$500,000) sold for $1,685,000
Now that we're inspired by the elements of design and (RED), consider the official products that support the Global Fund for AIDS. This Sunday, December 1st is recognized as World AIDS Day and well-known brands have partnered up with (RED) to support the cause with items that are perfect for the gift giving season.
Apple's (RED) line includes iPod touch, iPod nano, iPod shuffle, iPad Smart Cover, iPad Smart Case, iPhone 4s Bumper, and iPhone 5s Case -- all official products. Apple gives a portion of each (RED) purchase to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa. In fact, Apple and its customers have given over $65 million to the fight against AIDS by purchasing (RED) products.
Wondering how it makes a difference? Consider this, one (RED) iPod nano can provide 25 days of life-saving medicine to someone living with #HIV in sub-Saharan Africa.
You can view all official (RED) products at www.red.org
ABOUT (RED) FUNDS
The Global Fund, the recipient of (RED) funds, is the world's leading financier of programs to fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria. Created in 2002, the Global Fund has committed $23 billion to lifesaving programs in 151 countries. The Global Fund invests 100% of (RED) dollars in HIV/AIDS programs in Africa, including interventions targeting women and children. Today, programs supported by the Global Fund have provided AIDS treatment for 3.6 million people.
Here's a great video clip about the (RED) Auction....