Donated Gold Air Jordans Sold for $50,800
A pair of rare gold sneakers found in a Portland charity donation bin sold at auction in December 2023.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Portland Rescue Mission secured $50,800 in December 2023 after selling a pair of ultra-rare gold Air Jordan 3 sneakers. The shoes were anonymously dropped into a donation bin at the shelter in April 2023.
Why it matters
All proceeds from the auction directly fund the Portland Rescue Mission, supporting essential services for individuals experiencing homelessness in the local community.
The size 12.5 sneakers are one of an estimated 4 or 5 pairs ever produced by designer Tinker Hatfield. The shoes feature both the Jumpman logo and the 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks emblem.
The players
Portland Rescue Mission
This nonprofit organization provides essential resources, including food, shelter, and recovery services, to people experiencing homelessness.
Tinker Hatfield
He is a legendary Nike designer responsible for creating some of the most iconic footwear silhouettes in sneaker history.
Sotheby's
Founded in 1744, this global auction house specializes in fine art, luxury goods, and rare collectibles.
Spike Lee
He is an influential American film director and producer whose production company, 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks, appears on the sneakers.
The details
After discovering the high-value item, staff members took the shoes to a local consignment shop to confirm their authenticity. Sotheby's facilitated the sale and waived the standard seller's fee to ensure the shelter received the maximum possible financial benefit.
Timeline
Tinker Hatfield designed the custom gold sneakers in 2019.
The shoes were discovered in an April 2023 donation at the Burnside Shelter.
Sotheby's completed the auction of the sneakers in December 2023.
Market Landscape
This event highlights the high-stakes secondary market for the Air Jordan 3 silhouette, demonstrating how rare footwear can transcend fashion to become significant charitable assets. It showcases a shift where rare collectible items increasingly function as high-value philanthropic vehicles for non-profits.
The proceeds from this auction allow the Portland Rescue Mission to expand its capacity to serve those in need. This successful sale serves as a reminder of the significant impact that unexpected or high-value physical donations can have on the operations of local social services.
The takeaway
This incident highlights how charitable organizations can capitalize on rare collectibles to secure funding for their missions. Donors are encouraged to verify the value of high-end items before contributing them to local shelters to ensure they yield the greatest possible benefit.
Further reading
Learn more about local Philanthropy efforts in the area.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times of India.
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