Antiquorum Auctioneers benefiting The National Multiple Sclerosis SocietyAntiquorum and Mission: MS Raise Over a Quarter of a Million Dollars
Watch enthusiasts poured into Antiquorum's auction room Wednesday evening, October 20th to get a closer look at and bid on the outstanding timepieces offered at the Mission: MS sale, the first of a planned annual watch auction, organized by Philip Duffell and conducted by Antiquorum Auctioneers benefiting The National Multiple (MS) Sclerosis Society. Antiquorum together with Mission: MS raised an exceptional $ 253,000 for research and programs funded by The National MS Society whose mission is to create a world free of MS. Active bidding came from all over the world including from the Russian Federation, China, Hong Kong, Italy, Switzerland, Germany as well as the United States.
"We are delighted to have raised $ 253,000 tonight for the first Mission: MS auction. The proceeds from this evening's sale will support ground-breaking research and important programs funded by The National MS Society. We would like to thank all the participants whose support have made this auction a spectacular success and help spread awareness across the globe," said Evan Zimmermann, President & CEO, Antiquorum.
MS is a chronic disease of the central nervous system for which there is no cure. Every hour someone is diagnosed with this disease. MS interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body and can stop people from moving. For some, this means living with unpredictable symptoms that can come and go, like numbness and blurred vision. For others, there is more permanent damage, like paralysis. "I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for the first of what will be many Mission MS: Watch Auctions", says Philip Duffell, Founder of Mission: MS. "Because of the generosity of the brands participating and the incredible support from Antiquorum, this year's event has been a true success and will help change the lives of those living with multiple sclerosis."
The highlight of the sale was the highly anticipated Hublot "Piece Unique Big Bang Aero" designed by Hublot's North American Sales Director Michael Margolis [lot 5]. The unique, semi-skeletonized, ceramic 18K gold chronograph sold for $23,000 after heated bidding between the internet and phone bidders.
About Mission: MS
Mr. Phillip Duffell, who developed this event, is a 25 year veteran of the jewelry industry and manages an exclusive watch and jewelry store in midtown Manhattan. Philip was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2007 and saw this event as a way to raise money and awareness for others affected by MS. He has created the MISSIONMS.org website and event to educate the public about multiple sclerosis.
About National Multiple Sclerosis Society
The National MS Society is a collective of passionate individuals who want to do something about MS now-to move together toward a world free of multiple sclerosis. MS stops people from moving. We exist to make sure it doesn't. We help each person address the challenges of living with MS through our 50-state network of chapters. The Society helps people affected by MS by funding cutting-edge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education, and providing programs and services that help people with MS and their families move their lives forward. Early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can make a difference for people with multiple sclerosis. Learn about your options by talking to your health care professional and contacting the National MS Society at www.nationalMSsociety.org or 1-800-(344-4867).