Fans pay big bucks for local celebs' collectibles
Yes, says fan who forked out $500 for Elvin Ng's pre-loved limited edition Puma sneakers at celeb charity bazaar
Nothing gets fans emptying their pockets faster than their favourite idol.
Fans of local MediaCorp stars showed up in full force on Saturday at Ion Orchard for the Celeb's Curated Collections Charity Bazaar.
The event featured around 160 items put up for auction by celebrities such as Kym Ng, Julie Tan, Hong Huifang, Zheng Geping, Lee Teng, Vivian Lai, Edmund Chen and Xiang Yun.
On offer were collectibles ranging from a $10 CD to a set of silk paintings priced at $1,200.
The event will be aired in the last episode of the Channel 8 variety programme Celeb's Curated Collections, on July 14 at 8pm. In the series, hosts Ben Yeo and Quan Yifeng crash the homes of local celebrities to uncover gems in their collections.
About $50,000 was raised in Saturday's event and all proceeds will go to the supported beneficiaries under MediaCorp's corporate social responsibility programme, MediaCorp Cares.
While most items were for sale, some were up for auction. We speak to some celebs about giving up their prized possessions for a good cause.
ELVIN NG
Initially, Ng was worried that his items would not sell well because he had priced them rather steeply.
The 34-year-old actor said: "I donated a Coach leather bag, priced at $1,000, (a pair of) limited edition Puma sneakers and two pendants... They have a lot of sentimental value to me as I have had them for more than 10 years."
However, his fears were unfounded as his items were snapped up quickly.
Customer service officer Celine Ng, 30, who paid $500 for the Puma sneakers, said: "I find the price quite reasonable. It's meant to be a birthday present for my dad and I can support Elvin as well."
Banking executive Lilian Tan, 31, and teacher Esther Che, 28, bought Elvin's pendants at $150 each.
Ms Tan said: "I like the design of the pendant and it's for charity so it's great."
ROMEO TAN
The 30-year-old actor's stash included an elephant statue, which he had bought on his first trip to Cambodia, a dark green blazer, a teddy bear and a photo album.
Tan said: "The photo album is very meaningful because it contains some photos of scenery that I took in the past during my travels.
"I hope that the person who buys it will ultimately take more photos and complete the photo album."
The album, which was up for auction at $100, went to highest bidder Wendy Lin, who paid $1,000 for it.
The 32-year-old leasing executive said: "I am part of Romeo's fan club and all of us chipped in to bid for the photo album. I paid $500 and the other members paid for the rest.
"It's for charity and we can support Romeo at the same time. It's worth it."
BEN YEO
He has been a Liverpool fan since he was young.
So the 37-year-old TV personality was elated when he got an autographed Liverpool team football jersey from his sponsor a few months ago.
He said: "I thought of donating the jersey as it was for a good cause. However, I struggled for a while as the jersey was very hard to come by.
"I discussed it with my wife and we felt that it was a good decision to give it up for charity. (The starting price was rather) pricey at $600, so I was stressed as I did not know if anyone would buy it."
But the price did not put off administrative officer Wang Jieying (above), who won the bid at $2,000.
The 29-year-old said: "My husband loves Liverpool. I am going to give it to him on his birthday as it will be a meaningful present for him."
Yeo said: "I was pleasantly surprised that it sold for $2,000. I am happy it went to good hands and I could do my part for charity."
ZHANG ZHEN HUAN
China-born actor Zhang donated a pair of branded sneakers and a pair of shades.
He also put up for auction a 3D figurine of himself that had a starting price of $100 and was auctioned of for $620.
The 31-year-old (pictured above, with the winning bidder) said: "It's a figurine of my character when I acted in the Channel 8 drama World At Your Feet. I really liked the role, so I got someone to make a 3D figurine of it.
"I find it meaningful and, what's more, it's one of a kind."
SOME WINNING BIDS
1 What: 2010 Jia Jia and Kai Kai stamps
Donor: Edmund Chen
Starting bid: $200
FINAL BID: $400
2 What: A set of silk paintings
Donor: Edmund Chen
Starting bid: $1,200
FINAL BID: $2,000
3 What: Custom-made photo book
Donor: Julie Tan
Starting bid: $100
FINAL BID: $500
4 What: Autographed World At Your Feet banner
Donor: Elvin Ng
Starting bid: $100
FINAL BID: $320
5 What: J Hoodie Jacket autographed by Jay Chou
Donor: Lee Teng
Starting bid: $500
FINAL BID: $800
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