Ringo Starr, David Byrne, Joan Baez Donate Unqiue Items for Housing Works Auction

Ringo Starr, David Byrne, Joan Baez, and more have donated items to be auction in Housing Works’ second annual Turn It Up! auction, which is open through Oct. 1.

The National frontman Matt Berninger, Ani DiFranco, Richard Hell, Def Leppard’s Rick Allen, photographer Bob Gruen and others have donated items as well.

Items include a T-shirt autographed by Starr, original artworks by Byrne and Baez, a signed drum head from Rick Allen, and a color print of Gruen’s iconic photo of John Lennon standing in front of the Statue of Liberty — see all the items and bid here.

Founded in 1990 by people living with HIV/AIDS and their allies, Housing Works emerged during the AIDS crisis in response to the urgent need for housing, healthcare, and support for people living with HIV/AIDS. Over the decades, the New York City nonprofit has expanded its work to address housing instability, homelessness, healthcare access, HIV/AIDS, and social justice.

Housing Works provides direct services including housing, healthcare, behavioral health care, and supportive services, while also advocating for policy changes affecting New Yorkers experiencing homelessness, poverty, healthcare barriers, and housing instability.

The organization’s work remains connected to New York City, where it operates programs and services while advocating for communities that have historically faced significant barriers to housing and healthcare.

Turn It Up! is open for bidding through October 1, 2026.

Of the Lennon photo, the entry reads: “The US government was trying to deport John Lennon because of his support for the peace movement during the Vietnam war so I suggested we take a picture at the Statue of Liberty to illustrate that America was supposed to welcome people. Since Lennon’s death, this photo has taken on a new meaning as people think of John Lennon in terms of personal freedom similar to the Statue of Liberty.”

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