Two unique and rare silk scarves from the prestigious Hermes fashion house in Paris have been donated by an anonymous collector in Los Angeles to the New York-based Greek America Foundation for its 2022 Gabby Awards silent auction.
The scarves were sent with a handwritten note that congratulated the organization for their charitable and philanthropic efforts, particularly the volunteer program called “Greek America Corps,” which sends young Americans and Canadians to volunteer in Greece.
“Your work is commendable and with these scarves, which have been in my family for three generations, I hope further support your efforts — particularly your volunteer program in Greece,” the anonymous donor said in her letter.
Identified only as Ms. L., in a subsequent telephone conversation with Gregory Pappas, founder of the Greek America Foundation, she explained that she owns more than 1,000 Hermes scarves and is currently donating many to various charities, as there are no female heirs left in her family who “will enjoy them and understand their value and significance.”
The scarves are part of Hermes’ collection dedicated to the 1821 Greek Revolution and were designed in the 1980s by the French designer/artist Julie Abadie. Accoring to company records, only 500 of each color/style were made, making these extremely rare pieces.
Hermes scarves have gone for thousands of dollars in auctions throughout the world as an active collector base exists throughout the world.
The Greek America Foundation’s 2022 Gabby Awards will take place on Friday, June 3 at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. All proceeds benefit the organization’s charitable and philanthropic activities, including a successful campaign that supports charities in Greece that help disenfranchised children.
The Gabby Awards silent auction, which includes the two Hermes scarves, has already gone live and the items are available for bidding.