Gown Valued Over $300,000
Charity Auction Live Between August 12th-22nd on WEtv.com and eBay
New York, NY- August 8, 2007– WE tv celebrates Princess Diana's life and legacy by hosting an international charity auction on eBay from August 12th – 22nd. All proceeds will be donated to the national children's organization, America's Promise Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children. The mission of America's Promise is aligned closely to WE tv's WE Empowers Women (WEW) public affairs initiatives, dedicated to providing education and assistance to women and girls to help achieve their full potential towards leading a fulfilling life.
"Princess Diana was an icon and role model to women all over the world," said Kim Martin, General Manager of WE tv. "WE tv is honored to carry on her spirit of giving by donating all proceeds from this auction to charity."
Shoppers will have the opportunity to bid on the famed pale blue silk chiffon evening dress, designed by Catherine Walker, which Lady Diana Spencer Princess of Wales wore to the Cannes Film Festival in 1987 and at the opening of Miss Saigon in 1989.
Princess Diana once observed that she wanted to be thought of as a workhorse not a clotheshorse, but she also understood that the worldwide media coverage her image generated could be used to good effect – to raise money for the charity causes she so passionately supported.
In June 1997, WE tv purchased three of 80 gowns (an additional dress was purchased later) from Princess Diana's personal collection, which were sold by Christie's Auction House in New York City at Sequins Save Lives, a highly anticipated event that Princess Diana herself attended. Shortly after, the world tragically lost Princess Diana, and the gowns were thoughtfully preserved in her memory.
The pale blue silk chiffon evening dress of classic style is designed by Catherine Walker and
has a strapless bodice composed of draped and tucked fabric with a crossover yoke. The skirt falls straight, with an abundance of draped fabric that complements the fitted bodice, and is accompanied by a matching long stole of the same material. The dimensions are as follows; Bust: 36, waist: 29, center back length from top of dress to hem: 50". The zipper is 15" long. The stole measures 126"x22" when laid flat. The label inside says 'Chelsea Design Co Ltd'. The estimated appraisal in 2004 of the WE tv Collection was $915,000. The remaining three dresses will be toured around the country later this summer and into the fall with stops in Orlando, FL, and Ocala, FL.
About WE tv
WE tv is the content destination where strong, confident women connect to fun, entertaining programming focused on pop culture, personal style and relationships. With quality original programming including the hit series "Bridezillas," unique movie packages like "Cinematherapy," topical specials and its public affairs initiative WE Empowers Women, the network supports women and appeals to their interests. WE tv is a subsidiary of Rainbow Entertainment Services and is currently seen in more than 65 million homes. www.wetv.com.
About WE Empowers Women
WE Empowers Women is a nationwide public affairs initiative driven by WE tv and its viewers. Using the power of ideas and the actions of many, WE Empowers Women is dedicated to creating projects and programs that foster and celebrate the intelligence, strength, confidence, diversity and leadership of women, both in the workplace and at home. Using WE's unique spirit, creativity and enthusiasm, and through partnerships with various organizations, cable affiliates and communities, WE Empowers Women strives to become a valuable mechanism on and off air to its viewers. One that supports the modern lives of women and their families, assists each in reaching personal daily goals, and empowers them to achieve their own ideal of themselves and their lives.
About America's Promise Alliance
America's Promise Alliance is the nation's largest partnership alliance comprised of corporations, nonprofit organizations, foundations, policymakers, advocacy and faith groups committed to ensuring that children receive the fundamental resources – the Five Promises – they need to lead successful, healthy and productive lives and build a stronger society. Building on the legacy of their founder General Colin Powell, the Alliance believes the success of our children is grounded in experiencing the Five Promises – caring adults; safe place; a healthy start; an effective education; and opportunities to help others – at home, in school and in the community. www.americaspromise.org.