NFL star Santonio Holmes has announced the winner of a charity auction hosted on Reebok.com. Football fans all over the world had the opportunity to bid on autographed gloves, the pair that Holmes was wearing when he hauled in the Super Bowl-winning catch. The auction raised more than $70,000 for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America.
After a fierce bidding war in the final hour of the auction, the winning bidder paid $70,200 for this piece of history.
“I’m so happy that I was able to help the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, going on television and radio to talk about the devastating effects of the disease and raising such a fantastic sum of money to help other families,” said Holmes. “It is difficult for me to see my son struggle with the disease and I hope that the money from this auction can help other families.”
“We are thrilled that the auction attracted so many generous bidders,” said Todd Krinsky, VP, Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Reebok. “For all of the Steelers and football fans out there, it was a great opportunity for them to own a piece of history while helping out a great cause that’s near and dear to Santonio’s heart.”
All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc., a national organization that aims to improve the quality of health, life and services for those affected with sickle cell disease, while promoting the search for a cure. Holmes’ six-year-old son, Santonio III, has been diagnosed with sickle cell disease, a lifelong incurable disease that causes the body to make sickle-shaped red blood cells that impedes the flow of blood through blood vessels.
“Santonio has proven to be a great messenger in getting the word out and enhancing awareness of sickle cell disease,” said Dr. Willarda V. Edwards, President and Chief Operating Officer of Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc., headquartered in Baltimore, Md. “This auction and his willingness to publicize it through various media interviews shows that he really cares about making the world a better place for those affected by the disease. We will be using every cent of that $70,200 to continue our commitment to enhance the lives of those families and individuals affected by the disease as we seek a cure.”
Holmes, a star receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, caught nine passes for a total of 131 yards and the crucial, game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII. He also accounted for 73 of Pittsburgh’s 78 yards of offense during the final drive of the game. Holmes is the third straight Reebok-endorsed athlete to be named Super Bowl MVP, following Eli Manning in SB XLII and Peyton Manning in SB XLI.
