Robbie Williams Helps Ramp Up Charity Auction of 159 Personal Items

By Aaron Brophy 7/22/15 | www.samaritanmag.com

Robbie Williams with Bonhams auctioneer James Stratton — photo courtesy of Bonhams.
When British pop star Robbie Williams cleans out his closet good things happen. The singer turned a lot of 159 personal items into £145,000 ($294, 723 CAD) for charity at an auction held by Bonhams on July 15, and even joined auctioneer James Stratton at the rostrum to sell his lyrics for “Kids.”

Natalie Downing, Bonhams entertainment memorabilia specialist, said in a statement that Williams presence helped “ramp up the bidding for such a worthy cause.”

The proceeds are going to The Donna Louise Children’s Hospice, a U.K.-based children's charity caring and supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families across Cheshire and Staffordshire.

"It’s been a privilege to auction some of my most prized possessions from my life and career to raise money for The Donna Louise Children’s Hospice," Williams said at the auction, according to the press release issued by Bonhams. "The charity does such great work and I know they will put the money to very good use for the children and families they care for. Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart!"

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world's largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques with a network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries

Williams’ auction was titled Doing It For The Kids, a reference to his No. 2 charting duet "Kids" from 2000, which he performed with Kylie Minogue.

Some of the more fascinating pieces of Williams memorabilia that got auctioned off included a Versace chainmail vest (sold for $4,047 CAD), an MTV Video Music Award he won in 1994 as part of pop group Take That (sold for $21,502 CAD), and a "Music Industry Soccer Six Tournament Star" trophy featuring a gold soccer cleat (sold for $758 CAD).

The marquee item from the auction ended up being a page of lyrics handwritten by Williams for his 2013 single, "Go Gentle," which sold for £31,250 ($63,231 CAD).

"We’re delighted with the money raised, which will go directly to providing care and support to children with shortened life expectancy and their families," Melanie Williams, head of high value partnerships at The Donna Louise Children’s Hospice, said in a statement. "We'd like to say a huge thank you to Robbie for his generosity and also to Bonhams and to everyone that supported the auction."

/Nike_7_1

* Samaritanmag.com is an online magazine covering the good deeds of individuals, charities and businesses.