(1888PressRelease)
June 02, 2007 - In the end, Czech model Tereza Maxova walked away with over 300,000 euros for orphans in her homeland, reports the online magazine MonacoRevue.com. But the auction which raked in the funds was unlike anything that would be seen at Sotheby's, with humourous moments such as Maxova promising to bake a strudle in order to coax guests into upping their bids.
Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone as well as Renault F1's boss Flavio Briatore got into the spirit of the occasion, both purchasing items that were on auction and donating them back there and then to be bid on again to raise more funds.
The Grand Prix and Fashion Unite event (May 25, 2007), now a fixture on the Monaco Grand Prix calendar, brought together supermodels as well as wives, girlfriends and daughters of popular Formula 1 men. They strutted in designs by Isabell Kristensen, known for her red carpet creations, all in an effort to raise funds for the Tereza Maxova Foundation.
The charity was started in 1997 after the model visited a Prague orphanage and was overwrought at the plight of the children she met. Maxova told the guests their participation in the event and auction would continue to help approximately 25,000 children in the Czech Republic.
As in the past, the event was patronized by Monaco's sovereign, Prince Albert II, who made a grand entrance when he cruised up by boat to the Amber Lounge at Le Meridian hotel, built right on the Mediterranean shore.
Seated with him for the show was South African swimmer Charlene Wittstock, who has accompanied the Prince at numerous public and private events since they first appeared together at the Turin Olympics in February 2006.
Photos of the occasion are available at MonacoRevue.com.
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