Want to watch Rafael Nadal try and win back the Wimbledon trophy from Novak Djokovic? It’s a chance usually reserved for the very rich and famous, but this year, you might be sitting courtside.
The Treasure Trove luxury and art auction, held to raise funds for the Jai Vakeel School For Children In Need Of Special Care, is offering two centre court seats for the men’s finals on July 8, at a starting bid of Rs 5 lakh. “The seats are among the first few rows, and they’re incredibly difficult to get. VFS Global helped us source them,” reveals organiser Sapna Kar.
While the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is definitely the biggest prize up for grabs, the auction also includes other experiences and goodies. At the April 10 event at the Trident Hotel in Nariman Point, a Christian Louboutin bag from the Sweet Charity line is being offered at a starting bid of Rs 40,000, marked down from Rs 70,000. Rose Jewellers have donated a pair of diamond and ruby earrings that will be auctioned at a starting bid of Rs 3 lakh.
“Another item we’re counting on is a four-nights stay at the Soneva Kiri, a luxury spa and resort in Thailand. The bidder will be flown to the island on a private plane,” adds Kar, revealing that last year’s auction earned around Rs 2 crore.
“Another item we’re counting on is a four-nights stay at the Soneva Kiri, a luxury spa and resort in Thailand. The bidder will be flown to the island on a private plane,” adds Kar, revealing that last year’s auction earned around Rs 2 crore.
Aparna Chandra, who runs the school, explains their need for funds, saying, “We have 700 students on campus from the age of one to 69. Many are at or below the poverty line. Just basic processes like medical tests, meals, running vocational classes and teacher training cost Rs 5 crore yearly.”
Aside from paintings by Jayasri Burman and SH Raza, bidders also have a chance to dine with Ranbir Kapoor.
Interested bidders email