Designer Rafe Totengco joined Manolo Blahnik, Betsey Johnson, Reem Acra, Giuseppe Zanotti,True Religion, Stuart Weitzman and many luxury fashion brands, who came together and put their artistic skills to work for UGG® Australia’s seventh annual Art & Sole Auction. The designers used their creativity to create one-of-a-kind UGG Boots. The uniquely decorated boots were auctioned off on www.uggaustralia.com last December 1 – 14, 2009. One hundred percent of the proceeds benefited St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, one of the world’s premier centers for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases.
Upon being approached by UGG® Australia, Rafe immediately knew he wanted to commit to the project. “I am thrilled to support the amazing work done by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. I've updated the classic Ugg boot with riveted leather straps to reflect the edgier, more urbane style of the Rafe girl."
Art & Sole is a worldwide program created by UGG® Australia, in which boots that reflect the artist’s personality and dedication to charity are auctioned off to the highest winning bidder. This was the fifth consecutive year that St. Jude benefited from the auction that raised more than $315,000 for the hospital to date. “Art & Sole is our opportunity to give back to a great cause like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and help to make a difference,” says Connie Rishwain, President of UGG® Australia.
“The Art & Sole charity auction is a wonderfully unique way to support the lifesaving work of St. Jude,” says David L.McKee, chief operating officer and interim chief executive officer of ALSAC, the fundraising organization of St. Jude. “We are so grateful for the dedication that UGG Australia has shown to our patients and families. And we appreciate the time and talent that went into creating these boots, which speak to the hope that St. Jude gives to children battling cancer and other catastrophic diseases.”
Rafe's boot won the highest bid at $2,750 outbidding all the other 23 designers.
