Celeb Auction to
Support HIV Programs

A Valentine's Day auction of contemporary works donated by some of the world's leading artists will benefit HIV/AIDS relief programs in Africa.

Sotheby's auction house has joined with Gagosian Gallery in New York City's Chelsea district, as well as Damien Hirst and U2's Bono, in organizing the charity auction.

More than 100 artworks, all inspired by the color red, will be exhibited February 4-13 at the gallery. The sale is set for February 14, 2008.

Among the contributing artists: Hirst, Jeff Koons, Jasper Johns, Matthew Barney, Georg Baselitz, Cecily Brown, and Douglas Gordon.

Sotheby's said Wednesday that the sale's proceeds -- estimated at more than $40 million -- will go to the United Nations Foundation to support HIV/AIDS relief programs in Africa, which are conducted by the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. (AP)