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Where the Sheikhs don't know to say no

Deepa H. Ramakrishnan

2nd ROTA auction raises $11.25 million

— Photo: Deepa H. Ramakrishnan

PRIZED POSSESSION: The football used in the FIFA World Cup finals signed by the Italian National Football team.

DOHA: We were in the land of the black gold where the Sheikhs don't know to say no. And perhaps that's why one of them bought a black and gold football for a whopping $ 2.4 million at the 2nd Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) Charity auction held in Doha, Qatar recently.

As Sotheby's auctioneer Henry Wyndham, who is also its Chairman for Europe, started the bid for the ball at $4,00,000 and increased it to its final price, the lime green batons in the ballroom of the Ritz Carlton went up all the way.

There were other things too that went under the hammer that evening after the gala dinner hosted by Heir Apparent, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and his consort Sheikhha Jawaher Bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani.

Also present from the royal family were Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, his wife Sheikhha Mozah, and Sheikhha Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, chairperson of ROTA, which is an initiative of the Qatar Foundation.

Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, the guest of honour at the dinner, said that it was a blessing to be in such a vibrant city.

He said that it was heart warming to visit a land where the rulers knew to rule for the sake of the ruled.

In the space of just an hour, seven exceptional lots ranging from the Golden Football, specially designed jewellery and ceramics donated by celebrities, to a Maserati car, classic Harley Davidson motorcycle and superbike, went under the hammer.

There were two sets of exclusively designed Boucheron jewellery sets, which went for $3.2 million and $ 1.6 million each.

Celebrity touch

A classic Harley Davidson motorcycle signed by Hollywood star Patrick Swayze fetched $ 8,00,000.

The Italian luxury on wheels - Maserati Quattroporte GT Sedan car - and a trip to Italy fetched $2.5 million

A dinner at Maxims with Pierre Cardin donated by the fashion designer; celebrity ceramics donated by personalities including Sir Richard Branson, Nicole Kidman and George Clooney; limited edition Harry Winston timepiece fetched $4,50,000.

A VIP hospitality package trip to the FIA European Drag Racing Championship and Ducati 999R Superbike signed by 2006 World Champion Troy Bayliss fetched $3,00,000.

CNN International news anchor Richard Quest, the master of ceremonies, asked the audience if they would be able to raise more than last year's amount and they did. A total of $11.25 million was raised at this year's event.

According to Akbar Al Baker, CEO Qatar Airways, a strategic partner of ROTA, the auction raised $10 million last year and proceeds went towards helping children of Pakistan, Indonesia and Cambodia.

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