Portland, OR. Update: Nike and OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital put their annual benefit auction on hold last month when it was it was disrupted by troll bids. But the organizations were able to restart and all 17 pairs of the special-edition sneaker were successfully auctioned on eBay March 2nd – 7th. In total, the fund drive raised over $1.1 million. According to a collector’s company called Complex Sneakers, the shoes sold for an average of $33,239 per pair, with the highest selling for $52,900 and the lowest going for $22,523. It was a far cry from the over $2 million fraudulent early bid which shut down the auction.

“Without philanthropy like what we receive from Nike, its retailers and the Doernbecher Freestyle program, OHSU Doernbecher might not be able to open its doors to provide high-quality care to children across Oregon and the region,” says Dana Braner, M.D., FAAP, FCCM, Credit Unions for Kids chair and professor of pediatrics (critical care) in the OHSU School of Medicine and physical-in-chief for OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. “This support is vital. It not only saves lives today but will save and improve lives far into the future.”

Due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, instead of a range of shoes designed by children, Nike and Doernbecher settled on the “What The” themed Air Jordan 1. The special shoe was created using elements of Doernbecher Freestyle designs of the past. Unlike past years, the shoe wasn’t created for a wide release—instead, a very limited run of 17 pairs was produced.

“Featuring some of the most memorable elements from each of the program’s 14 previous Air Jordan sneaker designs, the exclusive Air Jordan 1 “What The” Doernbecher represents the teamwork, inspiration and creative spirit of the Doernbecher Freestyle program,” explained organizers.

Virtually Freestyle donor gifts, sponsorship and proceeds from an eBay auction – featuring 17 pairs of the coveted AJ 1 “What The” Doernbecher, and exclusive Doernbecher Freestyle apparel – raised more than $1.1 million to support OHSU Doernbecher. When coupled with a $1.8 million gift from Nike and its retail partners Shoe Palace, Sneaker Room and DTLR  from retail sales of the 2019 Doernbecher Freestyle collection, the cumulative total raised by the Doernbecher Freestyle program is now more than $30 million.

All funds raised benefit OHSU Doernbecher patients and staff in a variety of ways, from the delivery and discovery of advanced clinical treatment to emotional support and advocacy that helps to lift spirits and spread hope.

Below are photos of the specific details of the shoes:

Share