Guests at this year’s White Tie and Tiara Ball, which takes place annually at the home of Sir Elton John and David Furnish, will be dazzled by the special R8 sports car donated by Audi for the star-studded event.
A mirror-like chrome finish was been applied to the sports car for the occasion, which took place on June 23rd, to attract the highest possible bids in the auction that raises money for the Elton John Aids Foundation (EJAF).
The Audi R8 Spyder sold for £250,000, but interest was so strong that a second example was provided by Audi UK. This too attracted a high value bid, and was then generously re-submitted for auction a second time, taking the final total raised by the two cars to £620,000 ($990,000).
The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) was established in 1993 and is among the ten largest AIDS grant-making organizations in the world, currently managing over £14 million in programs across 15 countries supporting thousands of men, women and children with life-saving medication, as well as information, nutrition, education, shelter and support.
The White Tie & Tiara Ball, now in its 13th year, is the EJAF’s foremost fundraising event, and has been supported by Audi with special auction lots for the past eight years.