UNICEF Philippines to launch first fundraising online auction

UNICEF Philippines is launching its first fundraising online auction entitled Auction for Action: A UNICEF Fundraising Online Auction to benefit children’s programs in the Philippines and worldwide (www.ebay.ph/unicef goes live on 25 May 2011). This unique online auction in partnership with Ayala Malls, Ebay.ph and Cibo brings together works of reputable artists in art, design, furniture, fashion, jewellery and photography along with exciting experiential packages.

Featured artists are: Manny Baldemor, Michael Cacnio, Celestina, Seb Chua, Kenneth Cobonpue, Araceli Limcaco Dans, Kristine Dee, Janina Dizon, Mich Dulce, Tom Epperson, Accessory Lab, Ito Kish, E. Billy Mondoñedo, Ramon Orlina, Debbie Palao, Ling Quisumbing Ramilo, Benji Reyes, Popo San Pascual, Joey Samson, Vito Selma, Victor Sollorano, Paul Syjuco, Ricky Toledo and Chito Vijandre of FIRMA/Felicity, Reg Yuson, and UNICEF Special Advocate for Children, Ms. Daphne Oseña Paez.

Galerie Joaquin artists such Jovan Benito, Jomar Delluba, Hamzah Marbella, Dominic Rubio and Juvenal Sanso are also participating.

Experiential packages include dinner by Chef Tonyboy Escalante of Antonio’s and dugout experience with the Philippine Football Team or Azkals on July 3 at the World Cup qualifier in Manila.

UNICEF Country Representative Vanessa Tobin shares, “This is a first for UNICEF Philippines. Our partnership with acclaimed artists via online auction helps us engage the public in a new and interesting way. As well as raising important funds for our work, we will be able to raise awareness of important issues affecting children in the most disadvantaged communities of the Philippines and worldwide.”

“I know a lot of people recognize UNICEF’s valuable work in children’s rights, but few realize that UNICEF relies entirely on voluntary contributions to support its work on the ground. I’ve helped them educate moms all over the country on maternal health, mortality and breastfeeding. This time, I want to help UNICEF raise awareness and funds for all their other goals: providing children with health care, access to safe water and sanitation, education, and protection from violence, abuse and exploitation,” said UNICEF Special Advocate for Children Daphne Oseña Paez.

For Daphne, “the response from artists has been very encouraging, to say the least. It feels incredible to be able to work with such prominent artists for a worthwhile cause. I’m a great fan of their work, but now I’m in even greater awe of their kindness and generosity. They put a lot of love and devote a lot of time into everything they create, so I know that beyond the beautiful art piece, the artists are really sharing a part of themselves with UNICEF.“

Celebrity host and also a UNICEF Special Advocate for Children Bianca Gonzalez adds, “I’ve been working with UNICEF since 2007 and I’m very excited to be a part of this unique fundraising auction. Whilst online auctions are quite new to the Philippines, it’s very secure and the best thing is you can participate from anywhere in the country.”

Auction for Action: A UNICEF Fundraising Online Auction on www.ebay.ph/unicef will go live on May 25, 2011. Watch out for exciting items up for bidding and help make a difference for children.

UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS.

In the Philippines for over sixty years, UNICEF works through partners to reach disadvantaged children and communities to ensure children are healthy, educated and protected from harm. UNICEF is quick to respond in emergencies to ensure affected communities are reached and provided with services from local governments and other service providers.