Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars were raised at an antique toy auction to benefit The American Foundation for AIDS Research (AmFAR). Proceeds will specifically go towards the development of treatments for children with AIDS/HIV.
The auction took place at the Stanhope Hotel following a reception celebrating the opening of the Mint & Boxed Gallery at 1124 Madison Avenue.
Celebrity guests included Richard Gere, Brook Shields, Robin Leach, Susan Anton, Bianca Jagger and Martha Plimpton, as well as some of the world’s best known toy collectors such as Robert Forbes and Sir Anthony Joliffe.
Brooke Shields and Mathilde Krim, Ph.D, Founding Co-Chair of AmFAR, accepted the check from Mint & Boxed Chairman Jeffrey Levy. According to Ms. Shields, “In the midst of the growing AIDS epidemic, now is the time for the public and private sector to join forces in support of organizations like AmFAR.” Dr. Krim added, “In the world of science, we are very hopeful that we will soon see the fruits of our research… that there ultimately will be a vaccine for AIDS.”
“We could think of no finer way to mark the opening of our New York gallery than with an auction of some of our most precious toys,” said Mr. Levy. “We are delighted to have raised such a significant sum for AmFAR.”
On September 18, 1990, Mint & Boxed opened its three-story New York Gallery at Madison Avenue, in the heart of New York’s art center.
With Mint & Boxed’s extensive investment and acquisition of the best known collection of early American hand-painted tin toys, the New York gallery will handle 90 percent tin toys and 10 percent cast iron toys.
Facing Madison Avenue, all three floors of the Gallery have an overall open ambience with traditional wood. The antiques are displayed in special showcases with unique lighting and centered and extending down. Several feet in the gracious staircase is a Waterford Crystal Chandelier that was originally made for the B. Altman department store.
A staff of highly trained professionals including Veron Chamberlain, Vice President of U.S Sales and Eric Alberta, General Manager, advise on all aspects of buying, selling and collecting toys in, as the company name indicates “mint” condition and in their original “box”.
