Go Penguins to be auctioned for charity

They may have waddled out of sight for now, but the success of Liverpool's 'Go Penguins' project is set to continue as they prepare to be auctioned off to raise money for charity.

The interest in the penguins has been so intense that the live auction scheduled to take place on February 4th at St George's Hall will now be replaced by an internet auction.

This will give bidders across the world the chance to purchase their very own penguin pal and increase the potential fundraising capability of the auction.

The money raised will be donated to the Liverpool Lord Mayor’s Charity Appeal (including Cash For Kids and Alder Hey Imagine Appeal), WWF, Liverpool Unites and ME Research UK

Sally Ann Wilkinson, Director of the Wild In Art project which launched the exhibit, said: "We're really excited about the internet auction. We felt that having received great international media coverage, and a high number of absentee bidder enquiries, to maximise the full potential for the charities we had to find an alternative way of opening up the auction to everyone.

"We wanted to allow people from anywhere in the world to bid in real time if they wanted to, rather than restrict them to bidding by telephone or proxy. This way, everyone benefits, none more-so than the charities," she added.

Anyone who missed the opportunity to visit the 'Go Penguins' over the festive period will now have another chance to view the popular works of art as a preview of the penguins up for auction will be held on Wednesday the February 3rd from 8.30am-8pm (closed from 12-2pm) and Thursday February 4th from 8.30am to 8pm at St George's Hall. Attendees at the preview will also be able to enter an exclusive prize draw were they can win a dream break in the city.

Alan Smith of St George’s Hall said: “We are delighted to be hosting the Go Penguins preview – it’s a fitting finale to a fabulous event and we can’t wait to open the doors to everyone and give people the opportunity to see so many of the beautiful penguins all under one roof.”

A total of 67 penguins will be available to buy and sealed bids can be made at the preview and will be administered by the auction house Sutton Kersh. Donations to the charities nominated can be made on the door of the preview.

Councillor Mike Storey, Lord Mayor of Liverpool, said: ‘’Go Penguins has enjoyed global media coverage and generated much interest around the world. I think an internet auction makes sense as it opens up a huge window for people to purchase a unique work of art and raise money for so many worthwhile causes.”

For those unable to attend the preview, a list of the penguins up for auction and their guide price is available on the Go Penguins website. Bidders must register on the Go Penguins website before bidding to enable them to take part in the auction.