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Registered: November 2003
A report on the Novak Djokovic Foundation inaugural dinner >>>
Fri, 14 September 2012 15:08
Hi All,
This past Wednesday night I had the pleasure of attending a spectacular, star-studded charity dinner - the inaugural dinner of the Novak Djokovic Foundation. The event took place in NYC, and featured a charity auction with a handful of exceptional, donated lots to raise funds for the Foundation. Celebrities came out in full force in support, including sports legends, models, and even a princess or two.
Fashion designer Donna Karan, who sits on the Foundation's board, opened up the evening with a short speech. Next, tennis superstar Novak Djokovic addressed the crowd without a prepared speech, talking from the heart since he was "speaking to friends". Down-to-earth, humble, and very charismatic, he briefly explained the philosophy and values of his foundation, while entertaining the crowd with humor.
No cameras were allowed, unfortunately. The photos below are from Getty Images and Audemars Piguet.
Djokovic wearing an AP Millenary Chronograph
Photo Copyright Getty Images
Founded by Djokovic in 2007, the newly renamed Foundation aims to minimize the suffering of children and raise awareness of pre-school education, particularly in Serbia. It aims to give disadvantaged children access to sports, facilities, better nourishment, and better education. They work in partnership with UNICEF, enabling communities to assist these disadvantaged children by providing facility planning, supplies, and services.
Djokovic has been an AP Brand Ambassador since 2011, and in support of this event, AP generously donated a hard-to-come-by, new Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 44 mm in stainless steel...
Photo Source: Audemars Piguet
The AP went up for auction following the sale of some interesting lots, including a five-day vacation at Sir Richard Branson's private island, Necker Island, during which the buyer will play tennis against Djokovic. With a starting bid of $10,000, the vacation package sold for a strong $180,000.
Polish model Anja Rubik introduced the AP, explaining how the caseback would be engraved with the winning bidders name, alongside Novak Djokovic's signature...
Model Anja Rubik holding the AP Offshore Chronograph 44 mm
Photo Copyright Getty Images
The signed caseback, awaiting the buyer's signature
Photo Source: Audemars Piguet
Right at the opening bid, hands across the room were up in the air signifying strong interest and excitement for the watch. A person at the table in front of ours, wearing what appeared to be a ROO with a forged carbon case, was the winner at $50,000...$17,000 above the list price. A great result!
Anja's husband, model Sasha Knezevic, wore the watch into the event...
Anja Rubik and Sasha Knezevic
Photo Copyright Getty Images
Another shot of the AP Offshore Chronograph 44 mm
Photo Copyright Getty Images
All-in-all, the charity auction raised $1,400,000 for the Novak Djokovic Foundation - a world-class event, all for a great cause. Kudos to AP for their continued commitment to charitable giving!
Thanks to Audemars Piguet's Frederick Martel, Kathleen Bridoux, and Paul Lerner of HWPR for kindly inviting me.
- Paul Boutros