Melissa Is Helping Joan Rivers to Continue Doing Good Deeds
I was so moved by the outpouring of love for my godmother Joan Rivers back on September 4, 2014, when she died so tragically. I’m sure she would be proud of her daughter Melissa (who is my goddaughter) who is now making it possible for some of those who loved her mother to have a little piece of Joan’s life — and continue Joan’s philanthropy at the same time.
Melissa Rivers has put together a high profile auction of some of the items from her mother’s New York penthouse through an online and actual auction conducted by Christie’s in New York City. The items for sale, which range from $500 to $200,000, include Cartier jewels, designer gowns and a custom engraved Tiffany’s water bowl used by Joan’s best-known dog Spike, who traveled everywhere with her and sat by her side during her TV talk show.
Melissa is directing some of the proceeds to Joan’s two favorite charities: God’s Love We Deliver, which distributes food to those with severe illnesses, and Guide Dogs for the Blind. I remember when Joan and Melissa were on “Celebrity Apprentice” and Joan was so thrilled to have won but told me she was torn between her two charities since she was only allowed to pick one to receive her winnings (God’s Love was the lucky recipient). Now Melissa will make sure they are both equally recognized.
Melissa said in a statement that the auction offers a “through-the-keyhole experience for fans across the globe to see and buy items from my mother’s amazing Manhattan penthouse. My mother’s legacy as a much loved comedienne and philanthropist will be commemorated in this collaboration with Christie’s. And her generosity to charitable causes is something I will continue in her honor.”
The online auction, offering approximately 80 lots, will begin on 16 June with a live auction of more than 200 lots in New York on 22 June. This article in The Guardian covers it all in detail and I’m sure there are English people who will be bidding as Joan was especially adored in Great Britain. Melissa is sharing some of her mother with the rest of the world — and I applaud her for it.
Which I can actually do in person this very weekend because Melissa has agreed to be my honorary Hostess at the Afternoon Tea Pooch Party for the Dog Film Festival on Saturday June 4th from 3 to 5 PM. A lot of other stars are turning out for it, too — so if you’d like to catch some of the fun and bring your dog with you, there are still a few tickets still available. And of course there are the film programs on Sunday June 5th where you can come with your dog, too!
—Tracie Hotchner
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