Longtime Chernobyl Children's Project International supporter, model and photographer Helena Christensen has done it again! This past Thursday 18 September, Helena hosted a charity auction in New York City to benefit CCPI. Leaders from the worlds of fashion, design, art, and entertainment made custom designed VIPP waste bins that were auctioned at Winston Watcher gallery in New York. The event was attended by CCPI supporters and volunteers from the United States as well as "bold face names" from the city's cultural, business, and social spheres. The highlight of the evening came when a bin designed by U2's Bono was auctioned and sold for $30,000! The bin contains draft lyrics from U2s new album, set to be released next year.

The event was particularly timely because although the work of CCPI is broadly recognized in Ireland, the organisation is not well known in the United States. This event is expected to raise the profile among Americans of CCPI's work. In her remarks, Helena made a special point of highlighting the contribution of CCPI's volunteers, and tipped her hat to CCPI founder Adi Roche and Director Ali Hewson. Helena Christensen has been a solid supporter of CCPI for years, and we are very grateful to her for hosting this special event. Big thanks to VIPP, the family-owned business who sponsored the event and whose handcrafted stainless steel waste bins have been international objects of desire since 1939.