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On May 21, *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert* concluded its 11-year run with a star-studded finale on CBS, drawing 6.7 million viewers worldwide. The episode featured tributes to Colbert’s tenure and appearances by celebrities like Paul Rudd, Ryan Reynolds, and Paul McCartney. To mark the occasion, the show collaborated with eBay for Charity to auction off props and artifacts from the Ed Sullivan Theater, turning the milestone into a charitable effort supporting World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit led by Chef José Andrés that provides meals during global crises.

*The Late Show* launched a five-month eBay auction featuring a diverse catalog of memorabilia, including Colbert’s Emmy Awards tuxedo, autographed sketch costumes, and the iconic studio marquee. The auction included unusual items like a custom penny-pressing machine and a brunette wig allegedly worn by Jon Stewart during *The Daily Show*’s early seasons. Colbert and guests like Paul Rudd embraced the infomercial format to promote the sale, blending humor with the charitable mission. Bidding wars drove prices to six figures for rare items, such as a package of finale tickets bundled with autographed props.

Among the highest-selling items was a set of autographed novelty passes used in Colbert’s recurring "Home Shopping" segments, which fetched $111,100. The red carpet from the show, paired with Stewart’s donated wig on a stand, sold for $11,100 after 72 bids. A custom-built souvenir penny-pressing machine, featuring four unique designs, went for $33,610. Wardrobe items, including Colbert’s *Cats Again* spandex outfit and a Giorgio Armani tuxedo, also drew significant interest from collectors and fans alike.

The auction concluded with over $2 million raised for World Central Kitchen, ensuring the show’s legacy extended beyond television. Proceeds from the sale of props, costumes, and set pieces supported the nonprofit’s global relief efforts. A commemorative t-shirt, priced at a nominal fee, offered fans a low-cost way to contribute while receiving a keepsake from the series finale. The partnership demonstrated how entertainment milestones can be leveraged for meaningful charitable impact.