Every year since 1993, one of the biggest and most spectacular annual charity events in the world has raked in money to support those affected by HIV/Aids. The Life Ball has succeeded in raising money for the cause and has also facilitated raising the awareness of the disease. Since 2001, Mini has also taken part in the event by creating a legendary one-off MINI to be placed up for auction to benefit the organization. This year, a Mini Cooper S will be designed by Dean and Dan Caten - better known as the design duo from DSQUARED - and will make its official debut on May 21, 2011 in Vienna.

Last year, the Life Ball Mini designed by Calvin Klein designer Francisco Costa was auctioned off for $61,000, but since 2011 marks the 30th anniversary of the discovery of the HIV virus, we expect to see this year’s model bring in much more.[...]