Massa raises US$ 164.000 for charity in Brazil

"Champion for Brazilian Children", Felipe Massa was at the center of an auction promoted last evening in São Paulo to raise money for UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund. Ferrari ace guests contributed with a total of US$ 164.000 by purchasing 25 articles as helmets, overalls, race shoes, watches, football jerseys, "flying laps", everything reunited by Massa with the help from his colleagues and other Brazilian sports and media personalities.

Businessman Marcelo Ruas captured the most expensive items of all, a Frank Muller watch for which he paid US$ 27.500. Ruas also took a Michael Schumacher overall estimated in US$ 15.000. Massa himself back home with a Tony Kanaan helmet and a Rogério Ceni (São Paulo FC goalkeeper) uniform, paying for both US$ 6.800. Massa's helmet used to catch the 2nd spot at 2008 Chinese GP and the pole at Brazilian GP was sold by US$ 15.000. FIA GT1 front-runner Xandinho Negrão offered US$ 16.000 and, after a fierce battle with Indycar rookie Mário Moraes, grabbed the helmet of Nascar star Jeff Gordon. Three "flying laps" as Massa passenger on board of a Ferrari F430 GT3 at Interlagos circuit meant another US$ 13.500 for UNICEF.

Nelson Piquet Jr., Lucas di Grassi, Luciano Burti and other local drivers also attended the event, an initiative from Felipe's younger brother Dudu organized by his sister Fernanda. The money collected will be used in the UNICEF programs located in the poorest parts of the country.