Troy - Press Archive - Star-studded auction in aid of SPCA


Source: Times of Malta
17 June 2003
Star-studded auction in aid of SPCA
 
 
From left: Diane Kruger (Helen of Troy), Orlando Bloom (Paris), Garett Hedlund (Patroclus) and Sean Bean (Oysseus). Photo: Tufigno Photo Service

The film production Troy has continued its support of the SPCA, with
memorabilia from the movie fetching about Lm4,500 at a fund-raising
reception hosted at the US ambassador's residence on Sunday.
 
Donations from guests raised a further Lm1,500, and the total Lm6,000
is intended to "start a fund to get the wheels in motion for a new
home," said SPCA president Barbara Cassar Torreggiani.
 
A host of Troy actors - Orlando Bloom (Lord of the Rings), Sean Bean
(Lord of the Rings), Brian Cox (25th Hour), John Shrapnel (Gladiator),
Diane Kruger, who is playing Helen of Troy and Garrett Hedlund as
Patroclus - attended the event, mingling with the guests and using
their celebrity status in aid of Malta's many stray animals.
 
Troy memorabilia, including DVDs signed by Brad Pitt, the Trojan horse
prop, signed T-shirts and set designs were auctioned.
 
The event, intended to raise awareness and money for the SPCA, was the
initiative of Maria Petersen, wife of Troy's director, Wolfgang Petersen, in
collaboration with Donna Gioia, wife of the US ambassador, and the SPCA.
 
Ms Petersen had sparked off the interest in the SPCA during her visit to
Malta over a month ago and has been showering it with gifts, ideas and
suggestions ever since.
 
Her work was carried on for her by the busy director, who found the time to
attend the event and explain how the Troy production wanted to give
something back to Malta in return for the hospitality and cooperation it has
been receiving on the island.
 
Mr Petersen described working on Troy in Malta as the "highlight" of his
career and thanked everyone involved.
 
In Mrs Petersen's absence, stunning actress Diane Kruger, who is portraying
the face that launched a thousand ships, stepped in to read a touching
letter from the SPCA benefactress.
 
Ms Cassar Torreggiani said the money raised would go towards two aims:
the relocation of the SPCA premises to a more suitable setting; and the
introduction of a Trap-Neuter-Return programme, for which a new van is
needed.
 
Positive talks on an animal welfare home, with proper facilities, were
underway with George Pullicino, Rural Affairs and the Environment
Minister, who was present at the event.
 
Ms Cassar Torreggiani expressed the SPCA's gratitude to US ambassador
Tony Gioia and his wife, who is also playing an important role in animal
welfare in Malta, the Petersens, Warner Bros, Latina Pictures and Marsovin
for their support.


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