Schwarzenegger Gala Event Honors Audemars Piguet


Governor Schwarzenegger with Royal Oak

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s After-School All-Stars (ASAS) hosted a star-studded gala at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York on June 17th honoring Francois-Henry Bennahmias, President & CEO of Audemars Piguet North America, among others, for his support of the Governor’s organization that provides comprehensive after school and summer programs for at-risk children in thirteen cities throughout the country.

Francois-Henry Bennahmias and Governor Schwarzenegger
Francois-Henry Bennahmias and Governor Schwarzenegger

The evening’s highlights included remarks from Governor Schwarzenegger and a live auction conducted by Sotheby’s Eliza Osborne that included the special pre-sale of an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Legacy timepiece scheduled for general market release in March 2011. The auction raised over $500,000 (complete results below).

The Royal Oak Offshore Legacy with the Governor’s seal was taken directly from the Governor’s wrist. It sold for $100,000, with Francois Bennahmias contributing an additional $25,000 on behalf of Audemars Piguet. During their 10 year partnership, AP and Governor Schwarzenegger have co-designed 8 limited edition pieces, and AP has raised over $8 million for ASAS.

Governor Schwarzenegger addresses the crowd.
Arnold Schwarzenegger speech

The live auction gets underway.
Live auction action

Governor Schwarzenegger with the limited edition Royal Oak Legacy.
Governor Schwarzenegger with Royal Oak Offshore

Founded by Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1992, ASAS puts donated funds to work providing engaging activities to nearly 80,000 children in poverty annually. The programs are free to the participants and they are designed to improve the participants’ lives and to prepare them for the 21st century workforce by incorporating academic support, enrichment, and health & physical fitness. The New York Chapter was established in 1996 and has served over 20,000 of the city’s neediest children, including those from homeless shelters and public housing projects. To learn more about After School All Stars, visit www.afterschoolallstars.org.

“Our entire U.S. charitable efforts started with Governor Schwarzenegger and After-School All-Stars and this relationship has undoubtedly been the inspiration for our never-ending commitment to always giving back,” said Francois-Henry Bennahmias. “After a decade of working together and as a brand still in the hands of the original founding family, Audemars Piguet considers After-School All-Stars a member of this family. We are proud and humbled by the work we have done to make a difference in the lives of so many children.”

Live auction results:

AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE
Arnold Schwarzenegger Chronograph
Sold for $60,000

AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE
Chronograph with the Governor’s seal taken directly from the Governor’s wrist
Sold for $100,000 plus an additional $25,000 contributed by Francois Bennahmias on behalf of Audemars Piguet

AUDEMARS PIGUET JULES AUDEMARS
Dual time with the Governor’s seal
Sold for $40,000

AUDEMARS PIGUET JULES AUDEMARS
Perpetual Calendar with the Governor’s seal
Sold for $50,000

Photo credit: www.startraksphoto.com.

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