New York-based Swedish photographer Charlie Bennet is auctioning his United Stockholms of America exhibition in support of The Hunger Project, a global organization whose mission is to end hunger and poverty by pioneering sustainable, grassroots, women-centered strategies in countries throughout the world. The Hunger Project works across 12 countries in Africa, Latin America and South Asia.
The online charity auction will begin tomorrow at a launch event held by FIKA—New York’s largest independently and Swedish owned café chain with 17 locations—where attendees will be able to view selected pieces of the collection and place bids.
The United Stockholms of America is a photo exhibit—also made into a book—that depicts the Swedes who founded communities in the United States that carry the Swedish capital's name. The collection tells the story of the many traces left behind by Swedish emigrants following the Swedish hunger crisis in the 1800s. The exhibit explores eight communities and their wildly varying degrees of Swedish heritage in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, New Jersey, Maine, South Dakota and Texas as well as Stockholm, Sweden.
At the launch event, Mr. Bennet will unveil a never-before-seen photo from Stockholm, New York. This collector's item, which is a special addition to the series, will also be available for auction.
Profits from the auction, which will run from 6 p.m. EDT on September 15 to 6 p.m. EDT on September 25 on eBay’s charity auction platform, will be donated to The Hunger Project.
“I’m honored that the proceeds from this auction will support an organization that is working to end hunger and poverty globally,” said Mr. Bennet. “Together with FIKA, a Swedish owned company, this partnership allows us to share more about Swedish roots in the U.S., as well as foster a dialogue around and raise support for an organization’s who mission I really believe in.”
Selected photos from the exhibit, including the Stockholm, New York photo, will be showcased at 10 of FIKA’s locations where customers will be able to view the photographs and bid on the items. FIKA will also be selling the United Stockholms of America book and create a special chocolate in honor of The Hunger Project.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Charlie to create something uniquely Swedish and support this great organization and their work,” said Lena Khoury, Director Of Strategy & Communications at FIKA.
The United Stockholms of America exhibition was first shown at the Swedish Embassy in Washington D.C. in 2013. It continued to the Stockholm City Museum in Stockholm in the summer of 2014. From fall 2014 through spring 2015 it was hosted by the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota and the American Swedish Historical Museum in Philadelphia, before moving to New York in April 2016.
To view the photos and place a bid visit: www.ebay.com/thehungerproject
About The Hunger Project
The Hunger Project is a global non-profit organization whose mission is to end hunger and poverty by pioneering sustainable, grassroots, women-centered strategies and advocating for their widespread adoption in countries throughout the world. The Hunger Project is active in 22 countries throughout the world, with global headquarters based in New York. For more information, visit www.thp.org.
About Charlie Bennet
Photographer Charlie Bennet turned around his career in 2009 after 12 years in the advertising industry. Charlie, who has his roots in Stockholm, Sweden, has been a New York-based photographer for five years. His work typically includes food and interior assignments for clients such as Kraft Foods, Stella Artois, Wallpaper and Harp Design Company. Find his portfolio at www.charliebennet.com
About FIKA
FIKA was founded by Lars Åkerlund in 2006. Åkerlund operates the business joined by his wife Lena Khoury. FIKA brings the traditional Swedish coffee break to Americans, offering quality coffee, premium chocolates, artisanal pastries and carefully crafted food items, along with a break from the daily rush. The tradition and concept has resonated with New Yorkers – over the last decade, the brand has expanded to 17 locations from the Financial District to the Upper West Side, including a Tribeca chocolate factory, a Midtown bakery and a successful online and wholesale business. Everything on the menu is made in house and by hand, working with local suppliers and vendors whenever possible. Select FIKA items can also be found at retailers such as Whole Foods, Dean & Deluca and FreshDirect. Key team members include Master Baker Robert Tell, recently voted one of Americas Top Ten bread bakers by Dessert Professional, as well as world renowned Master Chocolatier Hakan Mårtenson.
WEBSITE: www.FIKANYC.com
About eBay for Charity
eBay for Charity is a platform that enables members of the eBay community to donate to causes in the U.S. and abroad. Sellers can donate anywhere between 10-100 percent of the proceeds and buyers can add a donation to their purchase during checkout. To date, more than $650 million dollars have been raised on eBay for Charity.