5th November 2002: Museum für Kommunikation, Berlin

The sensational amount of 190,600 € for UNICEF was obtained on 5th November 2002 also thanks to the charming auctioneer Julia Theurkauf, the two donations from South Korea and Austria included, when 46 "United Buddy Bears" were sold at the "Museum für Kommunikation" in Berlin. The bear sculptures had been exhibited right next to Brandenburg Gate for nearly six months – as a symbol of tolerance and understanding among nations. The proceeds of the auction are in aid of UNICEF-first-aid-projects in Southern Africa.

"This top result of the auction has made clear: the Buddy Bears are not only exceptionally beautiful but also exceptionally valuable ambassadors for children throughout the world. I am glad that this money contributes to UNICEF's opportunity to help in Southern Africa", explains UNICEF Ambassador Sabine Christiansen, patroness to the event.

In Southern Africa, more than 4 million orphans suffer from hunger and exploitation, without any kind of protection. Drought, aids, extreme poverty and political mismanagement have disastrous effects on vast parts of the population. UNICEF has therefore initiated an extensive first aid project. The initiators of the "United Buddy Bears", Eva and Dr. Klaus Herlitz, were also pleased about the positive result of the auction and they'd like to thank all contributors for their generous commitment in aid of UNICEF.