Madonna Donates Shoes to Gypsy Cause
Donation will help charity raise money for Gypsy child education
By CATHERINE CONTIGUGLIA
Updated 9:30 AM EDT, Tue, Oct 13, 2009
Maybe she's not so much of a material girl - Madonna is donating one of her favorite pairs of Christian Dior shoes to a charity supporting Gypsy child education.
The skyscraper gold heels, autographed by Madonna, will be sold at the Ovidiu Rom annual ball in Bucharest, Romania, later this month. The singer appears to be backing up a statement she made during an August concert there that widespread discrimination against Eastern Europe's Gypsies should end. The comment received international attention after thousands of fans at the performance, which was part of her "Sticky & Sweet" tour, responded by booing her.
"Madonna's very mild comment regarding equality shone a spotlight on a common European attitude toward Gypsies," Leslie Hawke, president of Ovidiu Rom, told The Associated Press. "We're thrilled to have her donation because she is such an icon of innovation and vigor and 'can do' spirit."
Hawke's son, actor Ethan Hawke, will attend the ball and speak to guests.
Guests at the ball will make donations to win raffle tickets for the auction of donated prizes. This year's items also will include a gold chain provided by actress Vanessa Redgrave.
First Published: Oct 13, 2009 7:49 AM EDT
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