Audi supports START Children’s initiatives in the Middle East

Dubai, March 23, 2011 – Audi Middle East announces its partnership with START, a non-profit organization established by Art Dubai and the Al Madad Foundation. START provides art education to heal, educate and empower refugee, orphaned and special needs children from the Middle East.

As part of their partnership Audi presented the first START Awards and scholarship program. Jeff Mannering, Managing Director of Audi Middle East, presented the Jordan scholarship to 17-year old young artist Mohammed Maher, who has been raised at an orphanage since he was 11 months old and has since become an inspiration and mentor to other young students. Maher will now enroll into the University of Jordan, at the Faculty of Arts and Design, with tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses covered by the scholarship.

Furthermore, Audi Middle East provided an Audi TT Roadster, which has been transformed into a unique piece of art by internationally acclaimed artist and painter Sacha Jafri. Jafri is considered one of the most exciting British painters on the contemporary art scene with his recent paintings selling for as much as USD 1,000,000. The proceeds of the one-of-a-kind Audi - an undisclosed amount by a generous benefactor - will go to the START children’s initiatives in the Middle East.

“Our job is to deliver great cars, but just as importantly we are also part of the community we operate in. START’s commitment to the children of the Middle East couldn’t be closer to our heart. Art crosses borders and speaks to the soul of everybody” commented Jeff Mannering.