USA – September 7 2022

Online auction from the estate of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to benefit SOS Children’s Villages

An online auction of personal items from the late US Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg will fund a new endowment to benefit SOS Children's Villages. Bidding starts today through Sept. 16.

Following Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death in Sept. 2020, items from her personal estate were donated to SOS Children’s Villages. Proceeds from the auction go to the RBG Endowment Fund, which will benefit programs that align with Justice Ginsburg’s values, supporting education and family economic empowerment.

“SOS Children’s Villages is humbled by the patronage of such an iconic figure,” says Cameron Schmidt, Chair of the SOS Children’s Villages USA Board of Directors. “Justice Ginsburg worked long and passionately for her values. We hope her inspiring example will encourage engagement in this campaign and support from her admirers to continue her legacy of caring for those in need—in our case, millions of vulnerable children around the globe.”

Bonhams, auctioneers of fine art and collectibles, will host the online auction of nearly 100 personal items from Justice Ginsburg’s collection. This auction will be the final public offering from her personal estate, presenting a rare opportunity to own historic items and signature fashion pieces, most notably an embroidered collar, gold beaded collar, embroidered shawl, lace gloves and a wooden gavel. The online auction open for bidding on bonhams.com for 10 days from Wednesday, Sept. 7 through Friday, Sept. 16.

Future ‘notorious thinkers and doers’

The RBG Endowment Fund will be governed by a committee composed of SOS Children’s Villages USA leadership, members of Justice Ginsburg’s family and others as invited. Each year, 5.5% of The RBG Endowment Fund will be directed to one or more specific programs in the SOS Children’s Villages portfolio.

SOS Children’s Villages programs are designed to ensure sustained impact and focus on children and their families across all aspects of life, as well as strengthening the communities in which they live.

“RBG wanted everyone to be empowered by education and a solid family foundation,” says Patrice Michaels, Justice Ginsburg’s daughter-in-law and member of the SOS Children’s Villages USA Advisory Board. “The RBG Endowment Fund will continue her legacy of trailblazing service for years to come, fortifying the people and systems that support the next generation of notorious thinkers and doers."