Charity Auction Tips; the Make The Difference Network

The best thing about working on the HP Charity Auction for Habitat for Humanity is the people I meet doing the fan outreach. They are always so willing to help spread the word.

Today, as I was working away at my desk, I answered the phone and on the other end was Jon Biel. He’s the father of actress Jessica Biel, one of the stars whose photo is in the auction.

He had found me through the Backstage at Sundance blog and my own Web site (helps to have a unique name!) and was calling to find out more about the auction so he could include it in an update to Jessica’s mailing list.

He also wanted to introduce us to the Make The Difference Network, a web portal co-founded by father and daughter:

MTDN is a "National Wish List" where people who want to "Make The Difference" can search, find and fund specific "Wishes" and "Needs" that have been listed by nonprofit organizations. (from their home page)

I think they have a very cool idea. Smaller community charities can’t muster the same support that the big charities do, in no small measure because they can’t get the word out. Many companies want to help but they don’t know where to start. This provides a forum for both funders and charities to find each other.

Just one more reason why I really love this project!

Speaking of the auction: as I posted the other day, the auction is live, and ready for bids. Please check it out. Some tips:

• Check when your auction ends. You MUST be at your computer when your auction ends. Otherwise, someone will jump in and just top your bid. There is a huge market for celebrity autographs, and a whole lot of savvy eBay vets. You must be in a position to place a closing bid in person if you really want to win.
• If you want the printer, and think buying it through the auction is a good way to also give back, good for you. A tip: some of our stars are really well known and their photos will go for a lot. Some of the prices are already climbing up there, and the auction has only been live for one day. Others are less well known, and you may be able to get a good deal. So, watch the auction and bid appropriately.

Tags: Charity, Sundance, Jessica Biel, Habitat for Humanity