In Portland, Oregon, a local shelter experienced an unexpected windfall earlier this year: a pair of striking gold Nike sneakers surfaced in their donation pile. These weren’t just any sneakers but the Air Jordan 3s, size 12 1/2, custom-made for the renowned filmmaker Spike Lee.
An anonymous donor left these remarkable kicks at the Portland Rescue Mission in the spring. While sorting through donations, a sharp-eyed individual in the Mission’s long-term program discovered the rare gems and promptly informed the shelter staff.
Designed by Nike’s Tinker Hatfield in 2019 for Spike Lee, these sneakers weren’t from Lee’s personal collection but were part of a limited batch intended for him to share with close friends. After confirming their authenticity, Hatfield visited the shelter, signed a replacement box, and generously included Nike goodies.
The story took an exciting turn when Sotheby’s auctioned off the gold Air Jordan 3s, anticipating between $15-$20,000 in proceeds for the benefit of the Portland Rescue Mission. In a surprising move, the auction house waived its fee, ensuring that every penny raised would directly support the shelter’s crucial mission of aiding those grappling with homelessness, hunger, and addiction.
As the bidding unfolded, sneaker enthusiasts and Spike Lee fans eagerly participated, driving the auction price to an impressive $50,800. The shoes’ authenticity and connection to the acclaimed filmmaker turned them into highly sought-after collector’s items.
While the individual’s identity behind the generous donation remains unknown, their act of kindness has left a lasting impact on the Portland Rescue Mission and the individuals it serves.