A Rare Pair of Gold Nike Air Jordan 3s Raises Over $50,000 for Portland Rescue Mission in Surprise Auction

In a heartwarming turn of events, a pair of gold Nike Air Jordan 3 sneakers made for renowned filmmaker Spike Lee were recently discovered in a donation chute at the Burnside Shelter of Portland Rescue Mission in Portland, Oregon. The prized shoes, one of only a few custom pairs made for Lee, were found by James Free, a formerly homeless man who has been living at the mission as part of its long-term shelter program.

The discovery of these valuable sneakers sparked excitement and disbelief among the staff at the shelter as they gathered in one of the conference rooms to watch the live auction at Sotheby's. Erin Holcomb, the director of staff ministries at the Portland Rescue Mission, described the atmosphere during the auction as electrifying. The sale price of the shoes continued to soar in the final minutes, leaving everyone in awe.

"To see the number increase with each passing minute was truly incredible. There were tears and applause as the final price was revealed," said Holcomb. The sneakers, which were initially estimated to sell for around $20,000, ended up fetching an astonishing $50,800, more than double the predicted high end of the sale price.

The auction attracted the attention of numerous bidders, with the winning bid ultimately securing the rare sneakers for an impressive sum. All proceeds from the auction will go towards supporting the Portland Rescue Mission, an organization that has been providing aid to those struggling with homelessness, hunger, and addiction since 1949.

The generosity of the anonymous donor has been a cause for celebration within the organization. The funds raised through the auction will significantly contribute to the mission's ongoing efforts to provide essential services to the community, such as food, shelter, healthcare, and employment resources.

Tinker Hatfield, the Nike designer responsible for creating the custom shoes for Lee, visited the shelter to authenticate the sneakers. Hatfield's presence added a personal touch to the story, as he donated a replacement box and other Nike merchandise to accompany the shoes in the auction. The authenticity and pristine condition of the sneakers, along with the added value of Hatfield's autographed items, further bolstered their appeal to potential buyers.

The significance of this donation extends beyond the monetary value of the shoes. The act of donating such a rare and coveted item highlights the spirit of generosity within the community. Holcomb emphasized that this act of kindness is part of a larger story of compassion and support in Portland.

The identity of the donor remains a mystery, adding an air of intrigue to the story. However, the impact of their donation will undoubtedly be felt for years to come. The success of the auction not only demonstrates the value placed on the sneakers but also serves as a reminder of the power of collective goodwill in making a difference in the lives of those in need.