Sotheby’s to auction virtual experiences with celebrities for COVID-19 relief efforts

The ever-growing list of experiences features a virtual coffee with Hillary Clinton, an acting lesson with English actor and producer Sir Patrick Stewart, a private video call with Apollo 9 astronaut Russell Schweickart, as well as a date to make a virtual artwork with British contemporary artist Marc Quinn.

Also on sale are a chance to record a song with Sting, a coffee break with former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, a chat with Julien Casablancas and his fellow The Strokes bandmates, as well as a personal coaching session with American entrepreneur Tim Ferriss.

The auction will also offer the chance to receive decorating tips from renowned interior designer Jacques Grange, as well as a private tour of Highclere Castle, where “Downton Abbey” was filmed, alongside the TV series’ lead actors and creator.

 

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❗️ ANNOUNCEMENT ❗️We’ve joined forces with @Google to help the @rescueorg’s front-line efforts to combat COVID-19 in vulnerable communities 👊 Together, we’ll be hosting a charity auction with support from the biggest names in music, film, art and public affairs including Hillary Clinton, The Strokes, Sir Patrick Stewart, Sacha Baron Cohen, Madeleine Albright, Russell Schweickart, Marc Quinn, David Miliband, Paul Smith, the cast and creators of Downton Abbey and many more… – The auction will comprise exceptional virtual experiences that can be enjoyed via #GoogleMeet – from a recording session with 17-time Grammy Award-winning artist Sting, to a personal coaching session with the one and only Tim Ferriss. All lots will be offered without reserve between 1-8 May, and the winning bidders will have the option to share their experience with front-line workers and others who have been directly impacted by the coronavirus. Head to the link in bio to read more! #MayDayForCovid – Photo Credit Clockwise from Top Left: @HillaryClinton (Office of Hillary Rodham Clinton) Russell Schweickart (@NASA) Madeleine Albright (Laura Bulbin) @theofficialsting (Eric Ryan Anderson) @timferriss (Taylor Prinsen) David Miliband @sirpatstew (Tommy Garcia) @TheStrokes (Jason Macdonald) @Jacques.Grange (Jérôme Macé) @SachaBaronCohen (Getty Images) @downtonabbey_official (Carnival Films)

A post shared by Sotheby’s (@sothebys) on Apr 27, 2020 at 5:04am PDT

Benefits from the sale, held online from May 1 through 8, will support the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in their efforts to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in vulnerable communities.

The experiences will be auctioned without reserve, with bidding starting at $50.

All lots of “Mayday COVID-19 Charity Auction” are also transferable and shareable, giving winning bidders the opportunity to enjoy the experience themselves or with any person of their choice.

As millions of people are remaining at home in reaction to the global health crisis, the experiences will be enjoyed virtually via Google Meet video calls during this period of social-distancing.

“We are proud to bring our centuries of experience and the power of our online auctions to bear against the impact of COVID-19. With the partnership of Google and so many leading figures who have pledged to support this unique venture, we hope to be able to deliver meaningful resources for the extraordinary efforts of the International Rescue Committee, needed now more than ever,” Charles Stewart, the CEO of Sotheby’s, said in a statement.