February 16, 2008 0:12

Bono's auction raises millions for AIDS relief

Proceeds from U2 star's event surpass expectations

Photo Gallery: U2
Photo: Pa Photos

U2's Bono and British artist Damien Hirst's charitable art auction has raised far more than expected for AIDS relief.

Held yesterday (February 14) in New York, the auction brought in $42 million (£21.6m) for the fight against AIDS.

Hirst donated seven pieces to the auction, including a cabinet filled with drugs to treat HIV, which garnered $7.15m (£3.6m).

The auction broke records for 17 artists, including Banksy, whose 'Keep It Spotless' work made $1.8m (£950,300) -- more than six times the initial estimate, reports BBC News.

"I'm never going to be cynical ever again for a while," Hirst said. "We've helped change the world a little bit."

--By our Los Angeles staff.
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