Auction Estimate of $4 Million to Support Rewrite the Future Campaign

WESTPORT, Conn. (Sept. 14, 2009) — Save the Children today announced that on Dec. 8, 2009 Bulgari, in celebration of its 125 year anniversary, will auction an extraordinary collection of 18 exquisite creations to benefit Save the Children. The proceeds of the auction will support the Rewrite the Future campaign which helps provide access to education for millions of children living in areas of war and conflict.

Matt Damon wears the Bulgari, Rewrite the Future ring. Photo credit: SGP, Stefano Guindani Photo, 9/7/09

From June until November 2009 the collection, which has an estimated value of around $4 million, is touring the world's greatest cities, where it will be presented at a series of high-profile events. This international tour will culminate with the New York auction on Dec. 8 when these 11 one-of-a-kind jewelry creations and seven limited edition timepieces will be sold at Christie's — the world's leading auction house. Click here to see Christie's Bulgari auction catalogue.

Over 75 million children are growing up today without an education. 40 million children are out of school in areas affected by war and conflict. Save the Children's Rewrite the Future campaign focuses on securing quality education for the millions of children out of school due to war and armed conflict. At school, children can begin the process of recovering from trauma and grief, and voice their feelings without fear. The legacy of properly resourced schools with well-trained teachers and appropriate curricula is a generation of young people with the knowledge they need to reduce the chances of conflict happening again.

"We are extremely grateful for our partnership with Bulgari and its commitment to education in areas of conflict and war," said Charles MacCormack, president and CEO of Save the Children, based in Westport, CT. "Bulgari's support has helped to put this issue on the world's agenda, assisting an entire generation of young people by giving them a chance to learn the skills they need for a prosperous, peaceful adulthood." 

Celebrity Support

Bulgari is also selling a special ring and pendant to benefit Save the Children.

The project has already attracted many well-known supporters, including photographer Fabrizio Ferri. Ferri has donated his time and talent creating portraits of the numerous stage, screen and music stars who have taken part in the effort. 

Noteworthy among these prominent celebrities: Julianne Moore, Jessica Biel, Ginnifer Goodwin, Benicio Del Toro, Ben Stiller, Sally Field, Sting, Willem Dafoe, Terrence Howard, Jason Lewis, Andy Garcia, Valeria Golino, Matt Damon, Isabella Rossellini and Debra Messing.

All of the initiatives in support of the Save the Children campaign are strictly non-profit.

About BVLGARI's fundraising initiative for Save the Children's Rewrite the Future Campaign

2009 marks the 125th anniversary of Italian luxury goods company Bulgari. In honor of the year, Bulgari has chosen to support Save the Children's Rewrite the Future campaign.  The Rewrite the Future campaign is committed to providing quality education to 8 million children living in conflict-affected areas by the end of 2010. Considerable progress has already been made by rebuilding schools, supplying much needed school supplies, and protecting children from abuse and exploitation — thus paving the way for a durable change in almost 6 million children's lives. Bulgari's ultimate goal is to raise €10 million for Save the Children by the end of 2009, of which €1 million will be donated in advance to kick off the initiative. In addition to the silver ring, Bulgari will auction a collection of one-of-a-kind jewelry and limited edition time pieces that have a total value of €3 million at Christie's in New York on Dec. 8, 2009. The Bulgari Group will not profit from the initiatives connected with this project.

About Save the Children's Rewrite the Future Campaign

Rewrite the Future operates in over 20 countries, such as Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and Uganda, to make schools safe and to encourage national governments and international institutions to prioritize quality education.

Save the Children is the leading independent organization that creates lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world. Save the Children USA is a member of the International Save the Children Alliance, a global network of 29 independent Save the Children organizations working to ensure the well-being and protection of children in more than 120 countries. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.