Larren likens his firm to Christie’s. “But we’re auctioning off experiences, not merchandise. For the celebrity, it’s a way to raise money for their nonprofit, doing something that doesn’t cost them anything; and for the winners, it’s the opportunity to live a money-can’t-buy-experience.” He cites the example of a brother and sister in their early twenties who paid for the chance to meet their idol, Carrie Underwood, when she was in New York's Central Park performing in the Global Citizen concert last September. “It was amazing to see how much they almost had tears in their eyes talking about their meet and greet. They said: ‘She looked me in the eye, she wanted to stay and continue chatting.’”

Larren won’t disclose the exact amount they paid. One of BidKind’s quirks is that it discloses payments only to the celebrity and the winning buyer. Some might see that as laudably discreet, while others might assume it’s useful for face-saving if a star’s value isn’t quite as high as his or her ego might have assumed.

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