Thank you for helping The Foundling Experiment with our first project, 19 Masks, an online charity auction benefiting the International Medical Corps.
It’s a familiar story: the pandemic hit, we canceled our plans, we followed social distancing measures, and discovered that (amidst the chaos and confusion) community and creation were more vital than ever. We wanted to find a way to keep connected with those around us while focusing some creative energy to help those in need.
Our solution? We asked individuals of diverse backgrounds and sewing experience to propose a concept for a face mask that challenged their skills and imagination. Their work would be auctioned off and the proceeds would go to an organization selected by TFE.
We are blessed to have such creative and generous people in our lives. We are honored to help out an amazing organization. And we are excited to get this done!
Enjoy checking out these little pieces of art. When you find a mask that you love, bid away to support our new little collective, independent art, and a timely cause.
Spread the word and share our information on your social media! Happy bidding!
The International Medical Corps is a global humanitarian organization that provides medical expertise and equipment to the most vulnerable. A preeminent first responder, they give emergency relief to those struck by disaster, no matter where they are, no matter what the conditions, working with them to recover, rebuild, and gain the skills and tools required for their self-reliance.
Some of the emergencies they are currently involved in include working in more than 30 countries to alleviate the conditions brought on by the Covid-19 crisis, providing assistance to overwhelmed hospitals and health facilities in the tragic Lebanon explosion, and supporting a multi-disciplinary response to the latest Ebola epidemic in affected areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
19 Masks officially begins November 2020. All of the proceeds raised from this auction (minus taxes, shipping, and eBay and PayPal fees) will be donated to the International Medical Corps.
All bidding will take place in the eBay for Charity platform (click the images above). In order to bid, you will need an eBay account. However, the auction also allows the Buy It Now option, which does NOT require an eBay account. Buyers who choose this option will be prompted for immediate payment (shipping and taxes will still be applied). TFE will list new masks on eBay as they become available, so check check our seller profile often! For a full list of masks, please refer to the image list above.
For mask information and details, please check the specific eBay listing. For any details not provided in the Item Description, feel free to contact us through eBay or through our Contact form in our website. Please indicate the specific name of the face mask.
The highest bid claims the mask. The winning bidder will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to complete payment via PayPal. If payment is not received within 48 hours, TFE will notify the winner via email and the winning bid will be canceled. The next highest bidder will then be notified and will have 48 hours to complete payment, and so on.
Click on a Bid Now image at the top of the page for masks that you can currently bid on. Click on a single mask image to see the details of a specific mask.
The masks were conceived by members of TFE, its friends and family, or those in their community. Each mask is brand new, one-of-a-kind and handmade with love. Individuals were asked to keep CDC cloth face mask guidelines in mind, but to add some flavor and joy from a creative standpoint.
Individuals may bid on multiple masks. If an individual has multiple winning bids, TFE can consolidate shipping into one package.
Items will be securely packed and sent one business day after payment has been cleared. Masks will be sent via USPS First Class and should arrive within 1-3 business days.
We are unable to ship internationally.
All bids placed are in US dollars. Bid safely and securely via eBay for Charity. TFE/eBay will notify the winner via email, and will include specific directions to complete payment. Credit card and PayPal will be accepted.
For Buy It Now, the buyer must complete payment immediately.
Please note that the masks featured in our auction are not FDA-approved. They are not intended for use in a medical or clinical setting nor to replace medical-grade PPE or other recommended measures recommended by the CDC to stop the community spread of any viruses, including social distancing, washing your hands and refraining from touching your face. They are designed for personal use and should not be worn by those with breathing or respiratory conditions or those unable to remove the mask without assistance.
For hygenic reasons, no exchanges or refunds will be allowed. All sales are final.
We couldn’t have completed our humble little project without our generous community of artists and mask contributors! Extra special thanks go to Joanne Justus and Juneth Partridge for sewing lessons, material donations, and so much emotional support!
If you are unable to bid on or purchase a mask, please consider donating to an amazing organization and a worthy cause.
Help TFE raise funds for the International Medical Corps. Any amount helps and is greatly appreciated!