Nike and OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Oregon have partnered on a charitable series of shoes designed by patients since 2003, raising over $29 million for the hospital. Every year, a number of children are given the chance to design a special-edition version of an iconic Nike sneaker, whose proceeds benefit the hospital.
This year, likely due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the project was not able to have patient-designers. Instead, Nike created a “What the Doernbecher” Nike Air Jordan 1 which comprises elements from each of the program’s previous 14 Air Jordan designs.
The result is a wild design that will break necks wherever you go — should you choose to wear them. To make things even more interesting, only 17 pairs were made to celebrate 17 years of the program.
That is reflected in the price, as the first pair — which was auctioned off during a virtual live auction on February 25 — reportedly sold for more than $1.5 million. The other 16 pairs will be available via auction on eBay and are expected to haul in similarly respectable sums.
According to Nike: “All proceeds from the sale of the AJ1 “What The” Doernbecher pairs will benefit OHSU Doernbecher patients and staff in a variety of different ways – from the delivery of advanced clinical treatment to the emotional support that helps to lift spirits and spread hope.”
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