Sotheby’s announced a partnership today with Google to hold a charity auction for the benefit of the International Rescue Committee to take place on May 1-8. The auction will feature virtual experiences with leaders in the arts, business, politics and science including Hillary Rodham Clinton, Sting, Madeleine Albright and The Strokes, among others.

Bidders will have the chance to win private virtual meetings and tutorials through Google Meet video. The meetings include coffee with Hillary Clinton to discuss the global impact of COVID-19 and relief efforts, as well as a chance to speak with Madeleine Albright, former U.S. Secretary of State to discuss her recently published memoir, Hell and Other Destinations.

G Suite Vice President and Google General Manager, Javier Soltero says, “with COVID-19 impacting the way we live, work, learn and socialize, the need for secure video meetings to foster human connection has never been greater.”

“Many of our clients around the world have enquired about supporting Covid-19 relief efforts,” CEO of Sotheby’s Charles F. Stewart says, ” and with the partnership of Google and so many leading figures who have pledged to support this unique auction event of virtual experiences, we are looking forward to supporting the efforts of the International Rescue Committee.”

David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee and former British Foreign Secretary, whose organization is a leading provider of global humanitarian aid noted the urgency behind the initiative as “millions of refugees and displaced people are now facing a double emergency with the virus reaching their communities.

Sotheby’s has a charity initiative with the Strokes and International Rescue Committee already under its belt. In December 2019, Sotheby’s Old Masters department partnered with dealer Fabrizio Moretti and The Strokes’ Fab Moretti for a sale to benefit the non-profit.