Madonna Shoes Offered To Gypsy Charity In Romania

Tags:

Madonna,Ethan Hawke,Pop,Charities,Music

enlarge

1/5

AP
Madonna appears in the press room at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York City on September 13, 2009
WireImage
Madonna at Angelo’s Pizza while she visits ‘Late Show with David Letterman’ in New York City
WireImage
Lady GaGa and Madonna meet for the first time ever at the Marc Jacobs 2010 Spring Fashion Show at the NY State Armory in New York City on September 14, 2009
Getty Images
Madonna gives a moving speech on Michael Jackson at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards on September 13, 2009
Getty Images
Madonna rocks on stage at Vicente Calderon Stadium in Madrid on July 23, 2009

hottest galleries

more galleries

FIRST PUBLISHED: October 13, 2009 8:46 AM EDT
LAST UPDATED: October 13, 2009 8:52 AM EDT

BUCHAREST, Romania --

Madonna is putting her shoes where her mouth is.

The Queen of Pop has offered one of her favorite pairs of Christian Dior shoes to a charity supporting Gypsy child education. Organizers said Tuesday the skyscraper gold heels, which are autographed by Madonna, will be sold at the Ovidiu Rom annual ball later this month.

Madonna drew international attention by saying during an August concert in Bucharest on her “Sticky & Sweet’” tour that widespread discrimination against East Europe’s Gypsies, also known as Roma, should end.

Thousands of fans responded by booing her.

“Madonna’s very mild comment regarding equality shone a spotlight on a common European attitude toward Gypsies,” Leslie Hawke, president of Ovidiu Rom, told The Associated Press. “We’re thrilled to have her donation because she is such an icon of innovation and vigor and ‘can do’ spirit.”

Hawke’s son, actor Ethan Hawke, will attend the ball and speak to guests.

Guests at the ball will make donations to win raffle tickets for the auction of donated prizes. This year’s items also will include a gold chain provided by actress Vanessa Redgrave.

Keep your Access to everything in Hollywood! Breaking news and personal commentary from Nancy, Billy, Tony, Shaun, Maria & all of our producers! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter now!