Sotheby’s and Google join forces for major online charity auction of virtual experiences to benefit the International Rescue Committee – International…

New York, NY / London, April 27, 2020 In this time of separation and social-distancing, Sothebys and Google are coming together virtually to raise much-needed funds for the International Rescue Committees (IRC) work to help mitigate and respond to the spread of COVID-19 in vulnerable communities. Together with leading figures from all walks of culture, business, politics and science, Sothebys and Google will launch an online auction of unique experiences which can be enjoyed virtually via Google Meet video calls during this period of social-distancing. From intimate conversations and virtual drinks to lessons and tutorials, all of the experiences will be offered without reserve in an online auction open for bidding from 1-8 May 2020. The winning bidders will have the option to share their experience with front-lines workers and others who have been directly impacted by COVID-19 and the social-distancing rules put in place.

The list of experiences continues to grow, but already includes commitments from leading names in music, film, public affairs, art & design and science, among others.

Among them are:

Charles F. Stewart, CEO of Sothebys said: We are proud to contribute to pandemic relief at this extraordinary time. Many of our clients around the world have enquired about supporting Covid-19 relief efforts and, with the partnership of Google and so many leading figures who have pledged to support this unique auction event of virtual experiences, we are looking forward to supporting the efforts of the International Rescue Committee.

David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee said: As a global community we are only as strong as the weakest link in the chain and millions of refugees and displaced people are now facing a double emergency with the virus reaching their communities. With those most vulnerable in need of all the help that we can give, we would like to thank Sothebys, Google and all the luminaries who have agreed to participate and donate their time for this auction in support of IRCs front-line efforts to help stop the spread of Covid-19 in vulnerable communities across the US and Europe.

Javier Soltero, G Suite vice president and general manager for Google, said: "With COVID-19 impacting the way we live, work, learn and socialize, the need for secure video meetings to foster human connection has never been greater. We're honored to join Sotheby's and the leading figures involved with this auction to provide a secure, easy and accessible way to connect and creatively support each other throughout these times."

Follow the conversation on social media using #MayDayForCovid

Notes to Editors:

More on the IRCs response to Covid-19: From distributing meals in New York City to translating public health guidance into numerous languages for refugee and migrant communities across Europe, the IRC response is built on years of experience in supporting people affected by conflict, crisis, and disaster in over 40 countries around the globe, and providing aid to the most vulnerable populations that are always impacted the hardest when a crisis happens. Learn more at http://www.rescue.org and follow the IRC on Twitter & Facebook.

Sothebys X Charity: In addition to having worked in the past with the IRC, Sothebys has also, over the years, joined forces with a number of leading charities, raising money for a variety of pressing causes, most notably with RED in the fight against AIDS, the J/P Haitian Relief Organization response to the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, and more recently to support the victims of the Grenfell Tower disaster in London.

Google/Google Meet: Google Meet provides premium video conferencing built on Googles robust and secure global infrastructure. https://meet.google.com/

About the IRC

The International Rescue Committee responds to the worlds worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is at work in over 40 countries and over 20 U.S. citieshelping people to survive, reclaim control of their future, and strengthen their communities.Learn more at http://www.rescue.org and follow the IRC on Twitter & Facebook.

About Sotheby's

Sothebys has been uniting collectors with world-class works of art since 1744. Sothebys became the first international auction house when it expanded from London to New York (1955), the first to conduct sales in Hong Kong (1973), India (1992) and France (2001), and the first international fine art auction house in China (2012). Today, Sothebys has a global network of 80 offices in 40 countries and presents auctions in 10 different salesrooms, including New York, London, Hong Kong and Paris. Sothebys offers collectors the resources of Sothebys Financial Services, the worlds only full-service art financing company, as well as the collection, artist, estate & foundation advisory services of its subsidiary, Art Agency, Partners. Sothebys also presents private sale opportunities in more than 70 categories, including S|2, the gallery arm of Sotheby's Global Fine Art Division, and three retail businesses: Sothebys Wine, Sothebys Diamonds, and Sothebys Home, the online marketplace for interior design.

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Sotheby's and Google join forces for major online charity auction of virtual experiences to benefit the International Rescue Committee - International...