Sovereign Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Banco Santander, has announced that a replica of a racing helmet worn by Fernando Alonso, world-renowned Scuderia Ferrari driver, will be auctioned for charity to benefit the victims of Hurricane Sandy. 

This one of a kind, autographed and specially crafted helmet is an exact replica of the helmet worn by Alonso in almost every Formula 1 race this year. The auction of this item presents an opportunity to own an exclusive part of Formula 1’s historic year and is not available for purchase.
 
Alonso autographed the helmet when he joined Sovereign-Santander and the President & CEO of the American Red Cross in the Greater New York area in ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange on November 20, 2012.

At the bell ceremony, Sovereign-Santander highlighted its support of Hurricane Sandy relief efforts with a $250,000 donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. The Bank is matching up to $500,000 for all donations made in Sovereign-Santander branches by team members and clients of the Bank.

Funds raised through the helmet auction will also go toward American Red Cross Hurricane Sandy disaster relief efforts.
 
Bidding for the autographed Alonso helmet will kick off on the Charity Folks website on December 6, 2012, and continue until December 20 at 4 p.m. EST. Fans and interested bidders should visit www.charityfolks.com/alonso for more information and to place bids.