The Medical Foundation: immortality auction
- Exhibited by
- John Baguley.
- Added
- June 06, 2013
- Medium of Communication
- Broadcast and television, face to face, posters, radio
- Target Audience
- Single gift
- Type of Charity
- Human rights & civil liberties
- Country of Origin
- UK
- Date of first appearance
- December, 2000
SOFII’s view
Once again it’s the simple ideas that seem to work best. This concept from the Medical Foundation is not just simple it seems hard to imagine it not being a success in the right hands. As durable, readily replicable fundraising ideas go, this is a great addition to SOFII.
Creator / originator
John Baguley.
Summary / objectives
To raise funds for the public phase of the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Tortures capital appeal.
Background
This event draws on the tradition of authors individually agreeing to name a character in their next book after a charity donor.
Special characteristics
Seven internationally known authors agreed to auction the name of a character in their next book: Hanif Kureisi ,Louis de Bernieres, Sebastian Foulks, Rose Tremain, Kathy Lette, Jim Crace and Nick Hornby.
The event was held at the BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) awards and several of the authors were present. It was filmed by both Canadian and Swedish television and achieved national publicity in the press and BBC radio in the UK.
Influence / impact
This auction captured the public imagination and in subsequent years has been replicated by several organisations, including the Free Tibet Campaign. The Medical Foundation itself has repeated this auction several times.
Costs
Approx £5000.
Results
Approx £40,000.
Merits
A distinctive event that achieved international publicity and is successfully replicated by several organisations.
Other relevant information
This event continues to be a source of income for the Medical Foundation.
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