By Tim Saunders on
A host of celebrities have donated handbags to an auction to raise money for victims of April’s devastating earthquake in Italy.
Madonna, Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Demi Moore, Hilary Swank, Eva Longoria, Dita von Teese, Lucy Liu, Marisa Tomei and Lily Tomlin have autographed and donated a selection of Salvatore Ferragamo handbags to the auction. 100% of the proceeds from the online auction will be donated to GlobalGiving’s Italy Earthquake Recovery and Relief Fund.
On April 6, 2009, the deadliest Italian earthquake in over 15 years struck the Abruzzo mountain region of Italy, with the town of L’Aquila at its epicenter. The toll was grim with nearly 300 people killed, more than 1,000 injured, and as many as 65,000 residents displaced. Many of those who lost their homes are still living in tent cities.
Madonna also reportedly donated money to victims following a plea for help from the mayor of a small hamlet called Pacentro. Madonna’s grandparents lived in the village until 1919.
To take part in the auction – which runs until June 12 – click here.Copyright © 2009 Look to the Stars
