Art Auction Raises Funds for HIV/AIDS Charity — SkimNews
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- Housing Works hosts the second annual 'Turn It Up!' online auction, which closes at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, Oct. 1, to support its mission providing housing and healthcare for people living with HIV/AIDS
- David Byrne, Joan Baez, and Ani DiFranco contributed original artwork to the auction, alongside a signed print by DiFranco and a vintage concert poster donated by Richard Hell from a Patti Smith and Television show at Max’s Kansas City
- Ringo Starr and Rick Allen of Def Leppard donated signed memorabilia, while Bob Gruen contributed an iconic photograph of John Lennon at the Statue of Liberty
- Matt Berninger of The National donated a decorated baseball inscribed with handwritten lyrics, and Kevin Barnes of Of Montreal and Eric Nally of Foxy Shazam also submitted art pieces
- Melissa Nastasi, a music publicist, conceived the inaugural 'Turn It Up!' auction last year, which raised over $25,000 and featured donations from Patti Smith, Eddie Vedder, and Paul McCartney
- Alan Light, a former Rolling Stone senior writer and longtime board member of the Housing Works Bookstore, emphasizes the deep ties between the music community and the organization’s fundraising efforts
Why it matters: The auction channels cultural capital into direct support for HIV/AIDS services in New York City, leveraging high-profile artist donations to generate revenue for essential housing and healthcare—last year’s event raised more than $25,000, setting a benchmark for this year’s fundraising potential.
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