When George Clooney was named best supporting actor at the Academy Awards earlier this month, he promptly quipped "so I'm not winning director?". It would appear the 44-year-old heart-throb, who was in the running for three gongs, was more than satisfied with just one memento of the big night, however, as he has decided to give away the lavish goodie bag he received from organisers.
The Syriana star is donating the gifts, which have a combined value of over £60,000, to charity. The luxury items are to be auctioned by the United Way emergency relief fund in order to raise money for people who lost their homes to Hurricane Katrina last year.
Among the luxury contents of the sack is a £15,000 voucher for a break in the exclusive Halekulani Hotel on Hawaii's Waikiki Beach. There is also a pair of diamond-studded flip-flops, a £2,000 diamond watch and a £5,000 bra and pantie set from Victoria's Secret. This last item may have been part of the reason George said he had "no need" of the presents, but he is already well-known for his support of United Way, having previously donated £600,000 of his own money.
The auction is due to start next Wednesday on the organisation's website, with the popular actor promising to send a hand-written thank you note to the highest bidder.
And America's man of the moment isn't the only big name who's prone to extravagant gestures, as British pop star Robbie Williams has also been showing his generous side. Charity workers manning the stall at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London were left open-mouthed when the singer handed over his collection of cuddly toys. "We've just had a big delivery of stuffed toys from Robbie," revealed one of the employees. "I don't think I've ever seen so many in my life. There were teddies, dogs, rabbits, lions, and we were told that more were on their way."
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
