Just in time for the holiday giving season, eBay, the world's largest
online marketplace, today announced the launch of eBay.com/celebrity, a
unique shopping destination that combines celebrity experiences,
memorabilia and merchandise with philanthropic causes. As part of eBay's
charitable platform eBay Giving Works, eBay Celebrity establishes a
differentiated experience for the shopping enthusiast and cause-oriented
consumer by aggregating relevant celebrity content, charity auctions,
and the breadth and selection of related products that are unique to
eBay.
eBay has consistently been the platform of choice for celebrities
looking to raise funds for charity, and this year was a landmark year
for the company's philanthropic efforts: an auction featuring limited
edition Nike Mag sneakers raised millions of dollars for The Michael J.
Fox Foundation and an annual lunch with Warren Buffet auction sold for a
record $2.63 million. In 2011, eBay Giving Works has raised $51 million
and over $278 million to date for various charitable organizations. eBay
Celebrity takes charitable fundraising to the next level, connecting
consumers with their favorite celebrities through charity and commerce.
In an effort to raise social consciousness and funds around causes,
celebrities are collaborating with eBay to make a difference. eBay
Celebrity will continue to offer exclusive charity auction items for
consumers to get up close and personal with their favorite celebrities
through the purchase of one-of-a-kind merchandise, concert tickets, and
meet and greet opportunities. Consumers and pop culture enthusiasts will
also be able to shop and give back in several ways including selling or
shopping to support a cause, making a donation at checkout, donating
directly through PayPal, and using the "shop like a star" feature which
provides an inside look at featured celebrities' favorite items.
Celebrities themselves will interact with consumers through original
content, video and message boards.
eBay Celebrity participants at launch include: Christina Aguilera, Jeff
Bridges, Michael Cooper, Robert Duvall, Jimmie Johnson, Wladimir
Klitschko, Sienna Miller, Hayden Panettiere, Katy Perry, Brad Pitt, Troy
Polamalu, Tarina Tarantino, and Joe Walsh.
"Only eBay has the innovative technology and large portfolio of tools to
combine celebrity, charity and commerce to engage consumers with the
causes they care about most," said Richelle Parham, Chief Marketing
Officer, eBay North America.