Business Wire - September 10, 2009

Auction to Close on September 24 at Warner Bros. Entertainment's Star-Studded "Emerald Gala" in New York City

BURBANK, Calif. - Warner Bros. Consumer Products today announced the opening of the highly anticipated online auction for The Ruby Slipper Collection and The Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Collection, beginning September 10 at 10:00 a.m. EDT at www.RubySlipperAuction.com. The auction marks the culmination of a year-long celebration of the 70th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz, and features the world-renowned Ruby Slipper Collection, consisting of 20 noted designers' interpretations of Dorothy's iconic Ruby Slippers for modern times. In addition, seven original pieces of art from The Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Collection, comprised of one-of-a-kind interpretive works of art by esteemed artisans, will join The Ruby Slipper Collection in the auction to benefit long-term philanthropic partner, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

"It has been an unbelievable anniversary year for The Wizard of Oz and this public auction is the perfect way to offer fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own something uniquely inspired by one of the most beloved films in history," said Karen McTier, Executive Vice President of Domestic Licensing and Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. "This historic year-long celebration has inspired so many memorable events and to be able to conclude it with this charitable auction is ideal."

"We are honored to be part of the Wizard of Oz's 70th anniversary celebration, and we are especially appreciative to Warner Bros. Consumer Products for naming us as the recipients of the proceeds from this auction," said Pamela Barnes, President and CEO of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. "As the Foundation marks it own 20th anniversary this year in its fight to eradicate pediatric HIV and AIDS around the world, we are renewing our commitment to offering hope to children and families to create a generation free of HIV. These proceeds will go a long way to support the Foundation's lifesaving work, and we are grateful."

Warner Bros. Consumer Products, in partnership with CRYSTALLIZEDÖ - Swarovski Elements, invited the world's top shoe designers to re-imagine Dorothy's classic Ruby Slippers for a stunning collection that has captured the hearts and imaginations of people the world over. Contemporary works of art from the likes of fashion masterminds A. Testoni, Abaete, Alberta Ferretti, Betsey Johnson, Botkier, Diane von Furstenberg, Giuseppe Zanotti, Jimmy Choo, L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani, Lisa Pliner, Manolo Blahnik, Moschino, Oscar de la Renta, Roger Vivier, Sergio Rossi, Stuart Weitzman, Tibi and Tuleh compose The Ruby Slipper Collection. Unveiled one year ago at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City to kick off Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, The Ruby Slipper Collection has toured more than 20 prestigious destinations around the world.

Each pair of designer Ruby Slippers has a fair market value of $10,000 and will be auctioned in a custom anniversary case. Additionally, exclusive, framed giclee prints of the original designer sketches will accompany select designs in The Ruby Slipper Collection.

Also included in the online auction are select pieces from The Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Collection, which features works from an acclaimed array of artists who were among the few selected to re-interpret The Wizard of Oz through their own unique visions and artistic mediums. The dazzling display of The Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Collection debuted at last year's Art Basel Miami Beach, a revered celebration of global artistic influence. Several of these elite works of art, some of which were created exclusively for the auction, were generously donated by Angelo Aversa, Romero Britto, Nelson De La Nuez, Todd White and Yakovetic, with pieces valued up to $65,000.

Concurrently with the online auction, The Ruby Slipper Collection in its entirety will be on display for the public at the Swarovski CRYSTALLIZEDÖ flagship store from September 10-23. Select original design sketches from The Ruby Slipper Collection, as well as The Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Collection, will be exhibited on the Grand Concourse level of The Shops at The Plaza Hotel's first-ever Fashion's Night Out from September 10-23, as part of a global initiative to promote retail, restore consumer confidence and celebrate fashion.

The charity auction for The Ruby Slipper Collection and The Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Collection will culminate on Thursday, September 24 at 10:00 p.m. EDT, during Warner Bros. Entertainment's star-studded "Emerald Gala," at New York City's historic Tavern on the Green. Fans across the globe will have the opportunity to bid on these celebrated collections, with the results of the auction, powered by charityfolks.com, to be announced at the "Emerald Gala."

Visit www.thewizardofoz.com, the official site for all Oz-related events and products.

Warner Bros. Consumer Products

Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz is one of the most beloved and iconic motion pictures of all time filled with timeless sentiments and values cherished by multiple generations. Originally released in 1939, more than one billion consumers have experienced the classic story of Dorothy and friends in the Land of Oz.

Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation

The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is a worldwide leader in the fight against pediatric AIDS. Its innovative research programs, collaborative training initiatives, advocacy efforts, and rapidly expanding international prevention and treatment programs are bringing dramatic changes to the lives of children worldwide. To learn more about the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and its programs, visit www.pedaids.org.

Charity Folks

Charity Folks is a leading online marketplace for nonprofit fundraising, corporate cause-marketing campaigns and celebrity-driven charity initiatives. To learn more about Charity Folks visit www.charityfolks.com.

CRYSTALLIZEDÖ - Swarovski Elements

CRYSTALLIZEDÖ is the brand name for all loose crystal elements by Swarovski, the world's leading producer of precision-cut crystal. Over the past decades CRYSTALLIZEDÖ - Swarovski Elements have become an essential ingredient in international fashion and design. The unique brand tag "Made with CRYSTALLIZEDÖ - Swarovski Elements" serves as quality proof of the customers' products to enhance the value and provide consumers assurance that they are buying the finest quality in crystal. For more information please visit WWW.CRYSTALLIZED.COM.

THE WIZARD OF OZ and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and - Turner Entertainment Co.

Contacts

Warner Bros. Consumer Products

Rita Cooper

818/954-3821

rita.cooper@warnerbros.com

or

BrandingIron Worldwide

Lauren E. Miller

646/454-0372

Lauren@brandingironworldwide.com

or

Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation

Tamara Pompey

626/422-2667

tpompey@pedaids.org
090910
BW090915

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