23 September 2009, Audemars Piguet is honored to host a charity auction dinner together with ambassador and Formula 1 driver, Jarno Trulli for the benefits of ‘Abruzzo nel Cuore’ (Abruzzo in the Heart) Foundation. Trulli who was raised in Pescara, was plagued by the sights and at the magnitude caused by the deadly April earthquake and felt responsible to spearhead a fundraising campaign to help his people.

Pledging its support and commitment, Audemars Piguet Manufacture created the unique “Royal Oak Abruzzo Tourbillon and Chronograph” timepiece in sandblasted titanium especially for this charitable occasion. Alongside, generous items were donated by fellow drivers and auctioned for this evening in Singapore:

• Sébastien Buemi’s Racing Helmet
• Mark Webber’s Racing Suit
• David Coulthard’s Racing Helmet
• Mark Webber’s Racing Helmet
• Jenson Button’s Racing Suit
• Jarno Trulli’s Racing Helmet

All items are sincerely endorsed by each respective.
Themed as an Italian evening, guests were treated with countless supreme selection of Antipasti. Italian porcini mushrooms, white truffle were carefully handpicked to project its lavish essence. Specialty mains were treated with nonnegotiable rich Italian traditional flavor in making. Desserts were sweetened by the Apricot Crostata blended perfectly with ‘Jarno Rosso’ wine ice cream.

Renowned for his vineyard from the hills of Alanno in the province of Pescara, Trulli passionately shared his second love with the privileged guests. Specially flown in from Italy, these wines were carefully chosen as the perfect accompaniment to the delightful delicacies prepared by Senso Ristorante – a divine food and wine combination. Each guest also received a bottle of Abruzzo Coste delle Plaie as a memento for this unforgettable occasion.

Graced by Dr Folco de Luca Gabrielli, Ambassador of Italy, a pulsating and responsive auction took its strike under the lead of Mr Tim Bourne (Christie’s). Over S$400,000.00 was raised for Abruzzo with the Audemars Piguet Timepiece auctioned at S$305,000.00. As a token of appreciation from Audemars Piguet, each winning bid was presented with the exclusive Royal Oak Table clock powered by an 8-day power reserve worth S$5,800.00.

While sensational roars from the stream of Lamborghinis and Ferraris kicks in, the spirit of racing have also came early for Audemars Piguet, the night was accompanied by the very charming and spontaneous Formula 1 Racers; Jarno Trulli, Rubens Barrichello and Sébastien Buemi.

Source: Audemars Piguet