Lake Bell and Aurora James Raise $65K for Fifteen Percent Pledge with 'Auction of Nothing'

Actress Lake Bell and Brother Vellies designer Aurora James hosted an 'Auction of Nothing' fundraiser at Grammy-winning producer Emile Haynie's recording studio in Silver Lake on a Sunday evening. The event, which Bell has organized for 15 years, auctioned off personal experiences instead of material goods to benefit James's nonprofit The Fifteen Percent Pledge, which supports Black-owned businesses. Bell opened a leather binder of past bids, including piano lessons with Jeff Goldblum and tea with Gloria Steinem. Highlights included an evening with Nora 'Awkwafina' Lum at Magic Castle for $1,600, a 'hex on your ex' for $750, and a game night hosted by Aimee Song. Guests included Erica Malbon, Jasmine Caccamo, and Benjamin Bronfman. Between auction and donations, over $65,000 was raised. James emphasized the power of community and collective action.