She Just Keeps Giving

Audrey Hepburn has always figured in my list of all time top three Hollywood stars. Ever since she captivated me in Roman Holiday, I’ve been a slave to her elfin charm and effortless sophistication. A genuine lady in a world that produces so few of them. She reinforced this perception in her post-Hollywood career as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF. Children all over the world instinctively recognized her compassion and genuine empathy and warmed to her. Now, as it turns out – even years after her death – she continues to benefit the children she loved so much.

On December 5, 2006, the sleek dress ‘little black dress’ – designed by Givenchy – and worn by Hepburn for the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, went under the hammer at Christie’s auction house in London for $ 825,000. Nine moths earlier, Hubert de Givenchy gifted the dress to his good friend Dominique Lapierre to help him in his humanitarian activities. For those who may not remember, Lapierre is the co-author of the best selling Is Paris Burning and City of Joy, among others. Lapierre donated the entire proceeds to the City of Joy Foundation, which has been working for the underprivileged in Bengal, India, for the last 25 years.

The money will be used to set up 15 primary schools, for underprivileged kids in the region – and will provide free education to almost 2000 children. Computers for the school will also be donated by the Foundation. Recently, Lapierre, visited the first of these schools, the Bodhodaya Vidyamandir Primary School in adjoining South 24-Parganas district of West Bengal.

"Ever since the auction, I have been waiting to come and meet you. Now, when I see your smiles, I feel you have given me much more than I can ever give you," said Lapierre, to a large crowd of children and elders gathered in the grounds next to the school. Dressed in their best, people from neighboring villages had thronged to welcome Lapierre, his wife - accompanied by a group of their friends from France.

I am convinced the divine Miss Hepburn was also present, in spirit, smiling down from her heavenly perch.