Celebrities participate in Afghan kite auction for charity
25 authentic Afghan kites with tails autographed by A-list celebrities were auctioned on eBay from December 5-15 to benefit the Afghanistan Relief Organization. The auction launched a social action campaign to promote the long awaited December 14 release of the film version of Khaled Hosseini’s highly acclaimed novel The Kite Runner.
Among the celebrities that have teamed up with Paramount Classics and Participant Productions for the special eBay charity auction are Angelina Jolie, Madonna, Cher, Natalie Portman, Steve Nash, Halle Berry, Will Ferrell, Eva Mendes, Jake Gyllenhaal, Jodie Foster, former President George H.W. Bush, and Kite Runner author Khaled Hosseini.
Each of the 25 kites up for bid was handmade by one of Kabul’s finest kite makers and signed by a different celebrity. Along with the handmade kite and autographed tail, winning bidders will receive a certificate of authenticity and a thank you card signed by the celebrity. Also featured in the auction are a private lunch with Kite Runner author Khaled Hosseini, signed copies of The Kite Runner book, and the opportunity to name a character in one of Hosseini’s future works.
Proceeds raised will go to the Afghanistan Relief Organization (ARO) for the training of teachers and the construction of rural libraries in Afghanistan. ARO is a non-profit humanitarian organization that has engaged in relief efforts in Afghanistan since 1998, delivering relief aid directly to those in need and offering general education programs designed to encourage self-sufficiency.
“We are so grateful to everyone involved with The Kite Runner and all the celebrities who have contributed to this amazing charity auction,” said ARO Board Member Mary Adams Urashima.
