OBEETEE DEBUTS ONLINE RUG AUCTION TO FUND CHARITIES IN INDIA

Up for grabs in Obeetee's debut online Social Fabric Auction to raise money for charities in India is a 6x9 Bosphorus collection rug

NEW YORK -- Obeetee, which crafts its handmade rugs in India, has launched an online rug auction of 20 rugs and will donate 100 percent of the proceeds to a charity of each winning bidder's choice. 

Obeetee considers these events as part of community give-back efforts and plans to make these auctions a regular part of its community programs, said Kathrine Walters, national sales manager. "Our biggest auction will come up later in the year, and it will tie into our corporate social responsibilities [program].  Community giving is ingrained in what Obeetee does."

Part of Obeetee's community giveback efforts, the auction gives bidders the option of choosing among four charities. 

The company launched a special website to host the Social Fabric Auction, which will accept bids through March 10, 2016.

Rugs available for auction start at a price of $243 for a 3x5 Anjali collection rug, inspired by Oushak, Kazak and Turkish rugs and woven of Sardinian wool semi twisted yarn. They run up to $2,159 MSRP for a 6x9 Bosphorus collection rug, which takes classic motifs and recasts them for contemporary tastes. 

"We have partnered with four charity organizations which are aligned with the company's social fabric and share the common goal to empower communities and change lives," Obeetee states. Bidders can choose among four charities: Project Mala schools, Pratham innovative educational organization, charitable group Ramakrishna Mission and the village of Gopepur.

"Giving back to the community lies at the heart of our business, and this auction is another extension of this work," the company stated. Through programs such as those earmarked to receive funds from the auction, Obeetee hopes to empower weavers in India's remotest locations, and to help the preserve the ancient art form of carpet weaving.

Rugs range in price from approximately $243 to just more than $2,000. Shown, a Rubi collection design in a Persian Mughal motif of Sardinian wool with an MSRP of $753 in 5x7.

Two of the charities that winners of the Obeetee online auction can select from focus on making sure children receive an education.