By Hilary Gridley
Charity auctions, a longtime hallmark of the holiday season, wouldn’t be complete without both legendary and contemporary artists using their starpower to get people into a charitable mood. Now a fundraising site called Charitybuzz is helping organizations reach a much larger audience through partnerships with nonprofits as diverse as WhyHunger and Tibet House.
WhyHunger is a leader in building the movement to end hunger and poverty by connecting people to nutritious, affordable food and by supporting grassroots solutions that inspire self-reliance and community empowerment. The organization runs the only national hunger hotline as well as Artists Against Hunger & Poverty, a program that partners with artists, the music community and the music industry to raise awareness and funds for community-based anti-hunger organizations.
Now, the artists are giving back to WhyHunger in support of the organization’s Hungerthon online auction on Charitybuzz. Mariah Carey donated an autographed tambourine and box set, and several musicians have autographed guitars for the event, including Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen, Mumford and Sons, Taylor Swift and Def Leppard. Additionally, bidders will have the opportunity to win lunch with Marky Ramone, Willie Nelson tickets, and a chance to meet Justin Bieber.
WhyHunger isn’t the only charity finding success on Charitybuzz this holiday season.
Tibet House, a non-profit educational institution and cultural embassy, has launched an online auction that will run through December 19. The organization will also host its 10th annual benefit auction on December 18 at Christie’s Auction House in New York City.
Both Yoko Ono and Sting have pledged their support for the organization, which works to promote and preserve Tibet’s unique cultural and spiritual heritage. They join Rolling Stone founder Jann Wenner and a cast of Hollywood celebrities on the Honorary Chair Committee. Available items include an internship at Rolling Stone magazine, a guitar signed by Sting, and two VIP tickets to Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival 2013.
Still looking for that perfect gift? Check out the available memorabilia, tickets, and opportunities to meet artists available on Charitybuzz.com to support one of more than 100 organizations represented on the site.