Audi A1, Damien Hirst & Elton’s White Tie & Tiara Ball

Sir Elton John, David Furnish and the Damien Hirst decorated Audi A1 (click for bigger image)

Elton John hosts a White Tie & Tiara Ball event at his home in Windsor every year, with an auction for charity as part of the event. This year it’s on the 24th June – this Thursday. And it has a very special Audi A1 being auctioned off, courtesy of Audi UK. But it’s not just any old A1. It’s one with a paint job by Damien Hirst. Which might raise a few bob.

You won’t be surprised to learn that the proceeds of the event – and of the Audi A1 – will be donated to the Elton John Aids Foundation (EJAF). The EJAF roundly answers the accusations of Elton being a spoilt, overpaid rock star from critics with no understanding of his place in the talent pile.

His astonishing talent alone (his music is the soundtrack to my youth, as it is for millions around the globe) is enough to excuse the man any amount of superstar pretension as far as this writer’s concerned. But the truth is that although he may spend a bit more on flowers than the rest of us, he puts back in a big way.

To quote the bumph on EJAF that came with the press release on the Audi A1:

[EJAF is] currently managing over £14 million in programmes across 15 countries supporting thousands of men, women and children with life saving medication, as well as information, nutrition, education, shelter and support.  The White Tie & Tiara Ball, now in its 12th year, is the EJAF’s foremost fundraising event, generating some £40 million since its launch in 1993.

Not too shoddy. And good on Audi for being a long term supporter. Oh, and just in case you think it’s relevant or believe I may be biased, I’m straight.

Although I firmly believe Elton John is one of the good guys.

By Cars UK