Audemars Piguet Supports the Afghanistan World Foundation

Snapshots from the Event

December 2, 2003

St. Regis Hotel, Los Angeles

The St. Regis hotel in Los Angeles was the setting for a gala event to raise funds for the Afghanistan World Foundation. The Foundation assists with the reconstruction of Afghanistan and provides humanitarian relief to the Afghani people by funding projects such as the construction of hospitals, health care clinics and schools, and by providing medicine, school supplies, and other necessities. The evening included dinner, an auction conducted by Christie's, and a concert featuring Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan.  The Guest of Honor  was Muhammad Ali, who received the Foundation’s Freedom Award for his work on behalf of the Afghani people.   

The evening opened with a welcome from Master of Ceremonies Pat O'Brien. Pat introduced Natalie Cole, who addressed the needs of the people of Afghanistan, and the good works of the Foundation and Muhammad Ali in their aid. Natalie brought out Foundation Chair Sonia Nassery Cole, who told us her story of growing up in and then leaving Afghanistan. She related how a meeting with Ronald Regan started her on a path to helping the people of her homeland. Sonia also  told us about Muhammad Ali's efforts to help the people of Afghanistan, and the great work he has done.  When it was time to present the Freedom Award, Quincy Jones provided a tribute to Muhammad Ali and the good works of his Muhammad Ali Center.    

The auction kicked off with Lot number 1, the Tom Cruise Audemars Piguet Chronograph in white gold. The bidding was lively, and lots moved quickly with bidders competing against each other to win coveted items. When the first half of the auction concluded, we enjoyed a delicious Afghani style dinner. Then bidding was once again under way. One of the evening's most sought after lots was a rare Arnold Schwarzenegger T3 prototype, which was hammered down for $42,000 after much spirited bidding.  

When the auction concluded, we were treated to a concert featuring Chaka Kahn, Stevie Wonder and Natalie Cole. Chaka got things off to a rousing start, and by the time Stevie and Natalie closed with Superstition and Signed, Sealed, Delivered, the audience was on their feet dancing.

One final note: The watches that were auctioned were on display prior to the event, however the lighting was not conducive to photography, at least with my humble digital camera. The images below focus on the people, and perhaps that is appropriate, because this evening was about recognizing those dedicated to helping others in need.   

Before dinner, the stars came out….   

Afghanistan World Foundation Founder Sonia Nassery Cole

Sonia and Audemars Piguet North America President Francois-Henry Bennahmias

Actress Roma Downey

Actress Daryl Hanna

Actress  Garcelle Beauvais

 Master of Ceremonies Pat O'Brien gets the festivities started

President Clinton delivered a message via video

Natalie Cole speaks about the needs of the Afghani people and the great works of the Foundation, and Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali receives the Freedom Award from Sonia Nassery Cole and Quincy Jones

With the auction underway, Muhammad Ali checks out the Arnold Schwarzenegger T3, which sold for $42,000

Haute couture dresses by designer Elie Saab were offered

Roma Downey and Muhammad Ali

Sonia and Muhammad

The Champ performs a magic trick for Daryl and Sonia

Sonia, Muhammad and Natalie Cole

Sonia, Muhammad, Natalie and Francois.

Natalie Cole tempts a potential bidder with an up-close look at her 18K white gold and diamond Promesse

Francois explains the complications of the Equation of Time. This unique boxed set is signed by Presidents Hamid Karzai and Bill Clinton 

With the auction concluded, the entertainment begins.  David Hasselhoff introduces Chaka Khan

Chaka rocks the house

Stevie Wonder performed several numbers old and new

Natalie Cole gave us a great rendition of Unforgettable, to a video montage of her father

Quincy Jones and Stevie enjoy Natalie's performance.

For an encore, Natalie and Stevie perform together

The audience was on its feet dancing when Stevie and Natalie closed the show with Superstition and Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours).

All photographs by Michael Disher, © TimeZone.com 2003