What do you get when you combine a chic Swiss watch brand, a philanthropic California governor from Austria and New York City’s elite? A world of difference.
While many brands tend to affiliate themselves with a charity or two, the family-owned and run watch manufacturer Audemars Piguet has been notably generous in recent years.
On June 17, at an impressive gala at the Mandarin Oriental in New York City, Audemars Piguet North America’s President CEO Francois-Henry Bennahmias was honored at for his personal commitment to the charity After-School All-Stars (ASAS). Founded by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, ASAS is dedicated to providing comprehensive after-school programs to nearly 80,000 impoverished children nationwide.
In continued support for the cause during the event, Audemars Piguet auctioned off several prestigious watches to raise money for the charity, including the limited-edition Royal Oak Offshore Legacy Watch that was co-designed by Schwarzenegger himself. The auction also featured two Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshores chronographs, one of which was taken directly off of Schwarzenegger’s wrist. The auction itself resulted in more than $500,000, and the event in entirety raised $1.2 million for After-School All-Stars.
Bennahmias said Audemars Piguet is, “Proud and humbled by the work we have done to make a difference in the lives of so many children.” Audemars Piguet’s outstanding 10-year commitment to the organization has overall raised more than $8 million through the sale of limited-edition timepieces and special events.
With the success and fulfillment it has received had from supporting ASAS, Audemars Piguet has continued their charitable efforts by recently starting its own charity, The Time to Give Foundation, which has already raised more than $1.3 million for Broadway Cares/Equite Fights AIDS.
For more event photos, visit the Haute Living Event Gallery.
