Lady LUX

Online auction site eBay has once again gone charitable with new shopping option eBay Celebrity, which allows users to purchase unique items from the stars and benefit worthy causes at the same time. Including celebrity experiences and memorabilia, the site is designed to bridge charity and commerce and is a component of eBay's charitable platform, eBay Giving Works.

Ebay has long been a key destination for celebrities desiring to raise philanthropic funds, having thus far raked in more than $278 for various nonprofits. The past year witnessed incredible charitable fundraising through the online platform, including limited edition Nike Mag sneakers, which brought in millions for The Michael J. Fox Foundation, and a lunch with Warren Buffet, which generated $2.63 million.

Auction items will be eBay exclusives such as concerts and chances to hobnob with the stars. The starting line-up includes an opportunity to attend “A Night to Make It Right” gala and meet Brad Pitt, followed by celebrity memorabilia from Sienna Miller benefitting International Medical Corps, Jeff Bridges benefitting Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry Campaign, Katy Perry benefitting the American Red Cross and Hayden Panettiere benefitting The Whaleman Foundation. Other notable participants include Christina Aguilera, Robert Duvall, Jimmie Johnson, Wladimir Klitschko, Katy Perry, Troy Polamalu, Tarina Tarantino, and Joe Walsh.

Site visitors may also make a difference by selling or shopping to support a charity, donating during checkout and using the “shop like a star” function which allows an inside peek at the celebrities’ must-have items. The stars will also personally interact with shoppers via original content, video and message boards.

“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,” Richelle Parham, chief marketing officer, eBay North America, said in a statement. “We couldn't think of a better time than during the holiday season to unveil eBay Celebrity, when giving back to a good cause is always a top consideration.”

For more information or to bid, visit celebrity.ebay.com.

Tagged in: charity, nonprofit, auction, ebay, memorabilia, celebrites, stars, ebay celebrity,