In partnership with world-renowned designer Kenneth Cobonpue, UNICEF Philippines is auctioning off six limited-edition Yoda chairs used by state leaders during the APEC Economic Leaders’ Welcome Dinner. This Auction for Action organized by UNICEF Special Advocate for Children Daphne Oseña-Paez will be held on December 16, 2015to benefit UNICEF’s 1,000 Days campaign.
“After the APEC dinner, I received a lot of inquiries about the chairs the world leaders used,” said Cobonpue. “But I think they are so much more than just pieces of furniture to be sold at face value. They’re now a part of our history that can serve a better purpose.”
Taking inspiration from blades of grass, Cobonpue’s iconic chairs are made of high-quality rattan reeds and manufactured in Cebu where he is based. The special iteration of the Yoda chair for APEC is wider and taller. It also has armrests and a swivel mechanism that enables one to turn effortlessly inboth directions.
The six Yoda chairs for auction are those used by U.S. President Barack Obama, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and Philippine President Benigno Aquino III. Proceeds from the auction will benefit UNICEF’s 1,000 days campaign.
“Giving children the best start in life is one cause that I staunchly advocate for. Having such historic design pieces contribute to that cause embodies the perfect marriage of creativity and social consciousness that Auction for Action was founded upon,” Daphne Oseña-Paez said.
This will be the 4th installment of UNICEF’s Auction for Action,which was initiated in 2011 by Daphne, with the first three auctions raising P8.2 million for children’s programs.
Interested parties can bid at the live auction or through SMS after a pre-registration process outlined on www.unicef.ph. Winning bids will receive the Yoda chairs specially marked with a metal plaque bearing the name of the state leader, and a certificate of authenticity from Kenneth Cobonpue.
“We’re very thankful for Kenneth’s generosity,” said Lotta Sylwander, UNICEF Philippines Country Representative. “This auction will go a long way in ensuring more children can benefit from this life-changing UNICEF initiative.”