Charity auctions supporting the homeless (1999-2012)

The Blinken OSA Archivum was approached in 1999 to assist the “Szalmaszál a Hajléktalanokért” (Last Straw Foundation for the Homeless) in organizing a charity auction in the young gallery of the Archives. The first initiative turned into more than a decade-long cooperation with the Foundation and volunteers, who helped to organize a contemporary art auction each year with generous offers from renowned Hungarian contemporary artists. The Archives participated altogether in 14 auctions over the years.

“Doesn’t it leave you cold?” Campaign

In 2004, when the winter was unusually cold, the Archives decided to launch a campaign to fundraise for sleeping bags for the homeless of Budapest in cooperation with the Foundation while also organizing the annual charity auction. The campaign was titled “Doesn’t it leave you cold?” and garnered support from private donors, the CEU community, civil organizations, Vodafone company, ARC Agency, the Embassy of USA in Budapest, the Embassy of Sweden in Budapest as well as the German Embassy in Budapest. Altogether 5000 sleeping bags were donated with the help of “Menhely Alapítvány” and the “Szalmaszál a Hajléktalanokért” foundation.

Manuscript Auction

The last significant charity event in 2012 was different from the previous ones that year's auction included some 60 manuscripts by renowned contemporary Hungarian poets, writers, and composers. The Archives hosted and organized the event and were supported by Magvető Publishing House, Sziget Festival, and Summa Artium Foundation. The auction is also a solidarity event for the values of Hungarian culture.

Judit Virág conducted the auction. Róbert Alföldi, actor and Péter Bársony, violist, performed. The charity donations were donated to the Oltalom Charitable Association "Fűtött Utca" (Heated Street), led by Gábor Iványi.