Cher Auctions 'Golden Globes Gown' to Benefit Haiti's Youth Education

BELLEVUE, Wash., May 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Legendary superstar Cher announced one lucky bidder will have the rare opportunity to own one of her favorite designer gowns in a 10-day eBay charity auction to support the Voila Foundation's educational initiatives in Haiti.  Proceeds from the auction will go to expand efforts already underway to provide stable, structured education to Haiti's children living in tent cities following the devastating earthquake.  

Starting at 4 pm PDT on May 4 and running through May 14th, Cher will be auctioning off her one-of-a-kind gown from this year's Golden Globes, designed by iconic fashion designer Bob Mackie.  100% of the auction proceeds will support Haiti's most precious resource – its children – by benefitting the philanthropic efforts of Voila, one of Haiti's leading cell phone providers.  The Voila Foundation has donated $50,000 to support the efforts of PRODEV, a Haitian organization, which has already built and staffed 14 tent-city schools in Haiti.  The Voila Foundation has committed to match any money raised by the gown auction to expand those efforts.  The charity auction can be found at www.ebay.com/chergives.  

The full length, long sleeved, black velvet evening gown features a black lace overlay accented with jet crystals.  The front is designed to simulate a laced corset and is accented with jet stone buttons surrounded by rhinestones.  The dress was worn by Cher as she walked the red carpet and appeared on stage with Christina Aguilera at the 67th annual Golden Globes awards on January 17, 2010.  Cher wore a yellow, red and blue ribbon signifying support for the people of Haiti to the Golden Globes, which is still attached to the dress.  In addition, Cher has included a special, hand written note, on her personal note card, for the winner to insure the authenticity of the gown.  

The auction proceeds and matching contribution will go to expand PRODEV's Kay Timoun/Children's Haven program, sponsored by the Voila Foundation.  In Haitian Creole, 'Kay' means house and 'Timoun' means children.  "I am honored to support the victims of the Haiti earthquake," Cher said.  "These schools provide education and emotional support for the children hardest hit by the recent disaster."  

The program serves children who would otherwise be unable to continue the school year due to the destruction of their schools.  Classes are held in tents around 14 displaced people camps throughout Port-au-Prince, with skilled, paid instructors, who have undergone special psychological training.  The teachers follow a specialized curriculum developed to meet the educational, emotional, and social needs of the children who range in age from 4 – 14.  

"Education has long been a cornerstone of our social responsibility programs in Haiti," said Bernard Fils-Aime, president of the Voila Foundation. "We are grateful for Cher's generous donation to help us expand the efforts of PRODEV, which is providing many Haitian children much needed access to quality education in a stable, structured, learning environment amidst the rubble which still blankets much of Haiti's capital city."  For more information, go to www.voilafoundation.com.

About the Voila Foundation

For over a decade, Voila, one of Haiti's leading wireless communications providers, has been committed to improving the lives of the Haitian people through youth and education initiatives supported by the Voila Foundation, now an independent 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity in the U.S. In December 2009, Voila and parent company, Trilogy International Partners, based in Bellevue, WA, received the prestigious "Award for Corporate Excellence" from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in recognition of Voila's record of corporate social responsibility in Haiti. Following the tragic earthquake on Jan. 12, Voila and Trilogy, through the Voila Foundation, will fund initiatives that provide immediate relief to the homeless and to underwrite programs that will deliver lasting social benefits.  For more information, go to www.voilafoundation.com.

About eBay Giving Works

eBay Giving Works is a six-year-old program offering convenient, trusted ways for eBay sellers and buyers to support their favorite nonprofits. Since its inception, eBay Giving Works has raised more than $170 million in the U.S. and UK on behalf of more than 20,000 nonprofits. eBay Giving Works is one of eBay's five Global Citizenship initiatives; others include the eBay Green Team, WorldofGood.com by eBay, MicroPlace.com and eBay Foundation.

SOURCE Voila Foundation