Bibi van der Velden's Auverture E-Boutique Hosts Raffle for Beirut

In the wake of the devastating explosion in Beirut on Aug. 4 that killed at least 200 people and injured approximately 5,000, jewelry e-boutique Auverture has debuted a fundraiser to benefit the Lebanese Red Cross and the Lebanese Food Bank, two organizations working on the front lines of the crisis to help the victims of the blast.

Auverture, an online-only shop founded by fine designer Bibi van der Velden, counts Lebanese designers Gaelle Khouri, Selim Mouzannar, and Noor Fares among its small, ultra-curated stable of designers. All three are participating in the Auverture Raffle for Beirut.

Here’s how it works: Designers including Van der Velden, Daniela Villegas, Khouri, Fares, and Mouzannar have each donated a piece of jewelry to be raffled online.

Consumers can buy a $50 raffle ticket for the piece of their choice (all of which are major jewelry pieces priced in the thousands at retail). All are welcome to buy multiple tickets for each piece, or buy tickets for each of the different designs, to increase their chances of winning. Tickets will be sold through Sunday, and Auverture plans to announce the winners of the pieces on Monday.

One hundred percent of ticket sales will be donated to the Lebanese Red Cross and Lebanese Food Bank.

Van der Velden told JCK that “several designers within our Auverture community hail from Lebanon and call Beirut their home. In light of our belief that as a community we should support each other, we want to raise funds to donate…at this time of crisis. This truly devastating blast, during a global pandemic and an economic downturn…as a Lebanese friend said, ‘It feels like almost the final blow to Lebanon’.”

The designer adds that she’s been inspired “by the courage and creativity that has been pouring out of all types of creatives during these very testing times. And it’s that quality of strength through design that will aid and help endure the rebuilding of a city and the jewelry industry within.”

Here are a few stunning jewelry pieces up for auction.