Charitybuzz

{{puffery|date=September 2021}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2016}} {{Infobox dot-com company | name = Charitybuzz | logo = Charitybuzz_logo_as_of_2017.png | company_type = Private | location_city = New York City | location_country = USA | foundation = 2005 | key_people = Ben Erwin (CEO) Patrick Farrell (COO) Todd Wagner (Owner and Founder The Charity Network) Coppy Holzman (Founder) | industry = Ecommerce | parent = | homepage = [http://www.charitybuzz.com/ charitybuzz.com] }}

'''Charitybuzz''' is an internet company that sells and auctions off access to experiences and items to raise funds for nonprofit organizations. Charitybuzz experiences include music, entertainment, business, politics, sports, art, fashion and other industries.<ref name=Charitybuzz>{{cite web|title=Charitybuzz Home Page|url=http://www.Charitybuzz.com|publisher=Charitybuzz|accessdate=13 June 2012}}</ref>

The company was originally founded in 2005 and has raised more than $550 million for charities as of 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Todd Wagner Acquires Controlling Stake in Auction Platform Charitybuzz |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/todd-wagner-acquires-controlling-stake-830586/ |access-date=2022-11-08 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=8 October 2015 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.charitybuzz.com/partners|title=Charitybuzz: Launch Your Own Charity Auction}}</ref><ref name="VentureBeat Nov 2013">{{cite web|last=Grant|first=Rebecca|title=Charitybuzz Raises $100M For Good Causes By Auctioning Celebrity Experiences|date=25 November 2013|url=https://venturebeat.com/2013/11/25/charitybuzz-raises-100m-for-good-causes-by-auctioning-off-celebrity-experiences/|publisher=VentureBeat|accessdate=25 November 2013}}</ref><ref name="Reuters 2012">{{cite news|last=Garcia|first=Courtney|title=Charitable group offers "concierge" access to stars|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/entertainment-us-charitybuzz-idUSBRE8540IM20120605?feedType=RSS&feedName=entertainmentNews|publisher=Reuters|accessdate=5 June 2012|date=5 June 2012|archive-date=2 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202095747/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/05/entertainment-us-charitybuzz-idUSBRE8540IM20120605?feedType=RSS&feedName=entertainmentNews|url-status=live}}</ref>

==History== Coppy Holzman founded Charitybuzz out of his Westport, Connecticut, home in April 2005 with partners Serena Chew and Brad Reisner.<ref>{{cite news|last=Gardner|first=Chris|title=Todd Wagner Acquires Controlling Stake in Auction Platform Charitybuzz|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/todd-wagner-acquires-controlling-stake-830586|publisher=Hollywood Reporter|accessdate=11 September 2020|date=8 October 2015}}</ref> After a conversation with Chevy Chase and President Bill Clinton at a reception to benefit the Clinton Library in late 2004.<ref name="Entrepreneur 2012">{{cite web|last=Moran|first=Gwen|title=Charitybuzz's Big Idea: Altruistic Online Auctions|date=6 January 2012 |url=http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/222472|publisher=Entrepreneur|accessdate=6 January 2012}}</ref> They launched Charitybuzz a few months later with one employee and a directive from Chase to raise funds for The Center for Environmental Education. Holzman and his team persuaded 70 celebrities and luxury brands into donating meet-and-greets, VIP tickets, vacations and other gifts for the company's first auction. The first experience auctioned was a Caddyshack golf outing with Bill Murray and Chase.<ref name="Entrepreneur 2012" /> After a segment with Chase on the TODAY show, the online auction site raised $250,000 within two weeks.<ref name="Lady Luxe">{{cite web|last=Sweet|first=Katherine|title=Charitybuzz: Online luxe auctions that make a difference|url=http://www.ladylux.com/style/site/article/charitybuzz-online-luxe-auctions-that-make-a-difference/|publisher=Lady Luxe|accessdate=18 February 2011}}</ref> After its initial success, Charitybuzz's business grew quickly through word of mouth.<ref name="Entrepreneur 2012" />

Holzman ran Charitybuzz part-time until the fall of 2007, when he committed to operating the business full-time and moved the company out of his home and into an office space. In 2008, he registered Charitybuzz as a sub-chapter S in Delaware.{{cn|date=September 2021}}

Soon after, during the height of the recession in 2009, the company marked $100 million in bids and one million unique visitors.<ref name="Entrepreneur 2012" /> By 2010, with more than 1,500 online charity auctions complete, Charitybuzz doubled in size by expanding its focus to include corporate philanthropy support. The company subsequently moved its headquarters and staff from Connecticut to an 8,000 square foot office at 437 Fifth Avenue in New York City.<ref name="Crain's New York">{{cite web|last=Souccar|first=Miriam|title=Charitybuzz, in growth mode, moves to Manhattan|date=22 September 2010|url=http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20100922/FREE/100929935|publisher=Crain's New York|accessdate=22 September 2010}}</ref><ref name=Bloomberg>{{cite news|last=Cole|first=Patrick|title=Jay-Z's New Year's Eve, LeBron Jersey Fuel Charitybuzz Auctions|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-27/jay-z-s-new-year-s-eve-lebron-jersey-fuel-charitybuzz-auctions.html|publisher=Bloomberg|accessdate=27 December 2010}}</ref><ref name="People's Sexiest">{{cite web|last=Hacket|first=Larry|title=Editor's Letter|url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20443731,00.html|publisher=People Magazine|accessdate=29 November 2010}}</ref><ref name="Reuters Christie's">{{cite news|last=Michaud|first=Chris|title=Artists, designers join forces for green auction|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-finearts-auction-green-idUSTRE70I21420110119|publisher=Reuters|accessdate=19 January 2011|date=19 January 2011|archive-date=21 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221105157/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/01/19/us-finearts-auction-green-idUSTRE70I21420110119|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="IBTimes AP">{{cite web|last=Zinderman|first=Carly|title=Charitybuzz and Audemars Piguet Watches Join Forces for Charity|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/contents/20100528/charitybuzz-and-audemars-piguet-watches-join-forces-charity.htm|work=International Business Times|accessdate=28 May 2010}}</ref><ref name="People Macy's">{{cite web|title=Have Jessica Simpson's Christmas Tree in Your Home this Holiday|url=http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2011/11/10/macys-tree-jessica-simpson/|publisher=People StyleWatch|accessdate=10 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114232820/http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2011/11/10/macys-tree-jessica-simpson/|archive-date=14 November 2011|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

In early 2012, Charitybuzz added Macy's chief stores officer Peter Sachse to its board of directors.<ref name=WWD>{{cite web|title=Peter Sachse Joins Charitybuzz Board|date=26 March 2012|url=http://www.wwd.com/retail-news/department-stores/peter-sachse-joins-charitybuzz-board-5827986|publisher=WWD|accessdate=26 March 2012}}</ref> In 2012, Charitybuzz launched a new celebrity concierge service for charity called "Do Good Dream Big," where bidders could request customized celebrity access for a minimum donation of $20,000.<ref name="Reuters 2012" />

In September 2013, Patrick Farrell was appointed chief operating officer, a new position within Charitybuzz<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://finance.yahoo.com/news/charitybuzz-names-patrick-farrell-chief-120000901.html|title=Charitybuzz Names Patrick Farrell Chief Operating Officer|website=finance.yahoo.com|date=25 September 2013 |language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-11}}</ref>

In November 2013, Charitybuzz marked $100 million raised for nonprofits and celebrated by ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Black Friday.<ref>{{Citation|title=Charitybuzz rings the NYSE Opening Bell by New York Stock Exchange|url=https://livestream.com/NYSE/Charitybuzz?t=1576066387|access-date=2019-12-11}}</ref>

In 2014, Charitybuzz raised $30 million for its nonprofit partners, bringing its total raised since inception in 2005 to $130 million. Celebrities including Bruce Springsteen and Matthew McConaughey supported their favorite causes to raise money for organizations including the RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights, Gabrielle's Angel Foundation for Cancer Research, WhyHunger, Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, The Kristen Ann Carr Fund and more. The top lots from 2014 included the opportunity to meet Sir Paul McCartney backstage which sold for $105,000 for the MTV Staying Alive Foundation and Coffee with Journey's Steve Perry which sold for $75,000 to benefit City of Hope.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.charitybuzz.com/press_releases/741|title=Charitybuzz: The Top 20 Celebrity Auctions Of 2014|website=/www.Charitybuzz.com|access-date=2019-12-11}}</ref>

In 2015, Charitybuzz was acquired by entrepreneur Todd Wagner, co-founder of Broadcast.com and co-owner of 2929 Entertainment.

In 2020, Charitybuzz launched its buy-now Shop, expanding beyond the auction format.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Charitybuzz |title=Charitybuzz Launches First-Ever Impact Day, October 5th, Introducing Buy-It-Now Shopping to Generate Measurable Non-Profit Impact |url=https://www.prweb.com/releases/Charitybuzz_Launches_First_Ever_Impact_Day_October_5th_Introducing_Buy_It_Now_Shopping_to_Generate_Measurable_Non_Profit_Impact/prweb17444761.htm |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=PRWeb |language=en}}</ref>

As of 2022, Charitybuzz reports to have raised funds for 4,500 beneficiaries, and hosted campaigns involving SpaceX, Ford, Reebok, IWC, Corona, Warner Bros Discovery, and Mattel/Barbie, along with nonprofits such as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Code.org. In 2022, Ben Erwin was named CEO of the Charitybuzz businesses.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ben Erwin - CEO, Charitybuzz, Prizeo & Charity Network at Charitybuzz |url=https://theorg.com/org/charitybuzz/org-chart/ben-erwin |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=THE ORG |language=en}}</ref>

==Business model== By auctioning luxury items and celebrity-backed experiences through the internet to bidders and shoppers worldwide, Charitybuzz is able to raise funds for foundations and nonprofits.<ref name="Mashable">{{cite web|last=Sniderman|first=Zachary|title=What Makes the Most Influential Social Good Champions Tick?|date=10 December 2010|url=http://mashable.com/2010/12/10/social-good-champion-interviews/|publisher=Mashable|accessdate=10 December 2010}}</ref> Charitybuzz's staff of 60 provides services for nonprofit clients, as well as cause marketing support for many for-profit brands looking to enhance their corporate philanthropy programs.<ref name="Entrepreneur 2012" /> At the end of each charity auction, Charitybuzz keeps 20 percent to cover its operating costs.<ref name="Bloomberg" />

==Notable offerings auctioned== In 2010, the following items were auctioned off: first Chevrolet Volt off the production line; Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Las Vegas Strip Tourbillon Limited Edition Watch signed by Jay-Z;<ref name="Tonic 2010">{{cite web|title=Jay-Z Tops List of Super Celebrity Fundraisers of 2010 |url=http://www.tonic.com/post/charitybuzz-celebrity-auction-charity-jayz-robert-pattinson-justin-bieber-lady-gaga/ |publisher=Tonic |accessdate=27 December 2010 }}{{dead link|date=November 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Audemars Piguet Lady Millenary Astrologia Limited Edition Watch signed by Meryl Streep;<ref name="Tonic 2010" /> meet-and-greet with Paul McCartney at the Apollo Theater;<ref name="Tonic 2010" /> meet-and-greet with Robert Pattinson on the set of Twilight: Breaking Dawn;<ref name="Tonic 2010" /> game of golf with Tom Watson;<ref name="Tonic 2010" /> game of golf with President Bill Clinton;<ref name="Tonic 2010" /> backstage tour of U2's The Edge;<ref name="Tonic 2010" /> meet-and-greet with Prince William at the Chakravarty Cup;<ref name="Tonic 2010" /> watch Simon Doonan create the Barney's Christmas windows;<ref name="Tonic 2010" /> invitation to Sir Elton John Oscar party;<ref name="Tonic 2010" /> meet-and-greet with Ralph Lauren at New York Fashion Week;<ref name="Tonic 2010" /> customized portrait by Shepard Fairey;<ref name="Tonic 2010" /> week internship at Vogue and meet Anna Wintour;<ref name="Tonic 2010" /> meet-and-greet with James Cameron at a private viewing of Avatar.<ref name="Tonic 2010" />

In 2011, the following auctions took place: spend a day shadowing former President Bill Clinton;<ref name="The Huffington Post 2012">{{cite news|last=Prois|first=Jessica|title=Bill Clinton Pulls In Highest Bid In CharityBuzz Celebrity Auction|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/23/biggest-celebrity-auction_n_1294401.html|work=The Huffington Post|accessdate=23 February 2012|date=23 February 2012}}</ref> meet-and-greet with Oprah Winfrey before the last taping of her talk show;<ref name="The Huffington Post 2012" /> attend both the Elton John AIDS Foundation Dinner and the Vanity Fair Oscar Party;(2011)<ref name="Bloomberg 2">{{cite news|last=Palmeri|first=Christopher|title=Vanity Fair Oscar Party Invites Draw $100,000 Prices At Charity Auctions|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-09/vanity-fair-oscar-party-invites-draw-100-000-prices-at-charity-auctions.html|accessdate=9 February 2012|work=Bloomberg}}</ref> idea pitch to Rupert Murdoch;<ref name="The Huffington Post 2012" /> a private singing with Paul Simon;<ref name="The Huffington Post 2012" /> front-row VIP seats to a Paul McCartney concert at Yankee Stadium;<ref name="The Huffington Post 2012" /> behind-the-scenes tour of Facebook's headquarters with Company Director Blake Ross;<ref name="The Huffington Post 2012" /> meet German designer Karl Lagerfeld at the Chanel Couture fashion show in Paris;<ref name="The Huffington Post 2012" /> join Harrison Ford as his co-pilot during a flight over California;<ref name="The Huffington Post 2012" /> walk-on role on AMC's Mad Men;<ref name="The Huffington Post 2012" /> sit in on The Howard Stern Show at Sirius Radio and meet the host;<ref name="The Huffington Post 2012" /> Lady Gaga's signed Steinway Piano, used during her performance for the Robin Hood Foundation gala;<ref name="Business Insider">{{cite web|last=Weisman|first=Aly|title=Presenting the Most Over-the-Top Expensive Celebrity Charity Auctions of the Year|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/doutzen-kroes-lady-gaga-2011-12|publisher=Business Insider|accessdate=29 December 2011}}</ref> courtside seats with Jay-Z at a Nets vs. Knicks game;<ref name="Business Insider" /> meet Taylor Swift backstage at a concert.<ref name="Business Insider" />

In 2012, the following auctions occurred: spend a day with President Bill Clinton in New York City;<ref name=":0" /> meet-and-greet with Bono after backstage show of U2;<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=2013-01-04|title=CharityBuzz.com's Top 2012 Celebrity Charity Auctions|url=https://www.looktothestars.org/news/9507-charitybuzz-coms-top-2012-celebrity-charity-auctions|access-date=2020-10-28|website=Look to the Stars|language=en}}</ref> meet-and-greet with Taylor Swift in Ottawa with two VIP concert tickets and round trip airfare;<ref name=":0" /> sit ringside with Mike Tyson at the Pacquiao vs. Marquez fight;<ref name=":0" /> lunch with George Clooney and Dace Karger;<ref name=":0" /> lunch with Michael R. Bloomberg;<ref>{{cite web |title=Charitybuzz: Have Lunch with Michael R. Bloomberg in New York City - Lot 3130013 |url=https://www.charitybuzz.com/catalog_items/have-lunch-with-michael-r-bloomberg-in-new-york-city-3130013 |website=/www.Charitybuzz.com |accessdate=12 May 2020}}</ref> lifetime membership to all Current and future Trump National Golf Courses;<ref>{{cite web |title=Charitybuzz: Lifetime Membership to All Current AND Future Trump Natio... - Lot 2751199 |url=https://www.charitybuzz.com/catalog_items/lifetime-membership-to-all-current-and-future-trump-2751199 |website=/www.Charitybuzz.com |accessdate=12 May 2020}}</ref> meet Jeremy Lin after watching the Knicks at Madison Square Garden from VIP seats and take home his game-worn jersey;<ref name="Bloomberg Lin">{{cite news|last=Levinson|first=Mason|title=Jeremy Lin's Knicks Jersey From Kobe Bryant Contest Auctioned For $42,388|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-21/lin-s-knicks-jersey-from-kobe-bryant-contest-sells-for-42k.html|publisher=Bloomberg|accessdate=22 February 2012}}</ref> private one-hour tennis lesson with Andre Agassi and Stefanie Graf.<ref name=":0" />

In 2013, the following auctions took place: coffee date with Apple CEO Tim Cook at Apple Headquarters in Cupertino, CA;<ref>{{cite web |last1=Trotman |first1=Andrew |title=Auction winner pays $610,000 for cup of coffee with Apple chief Tim Cook |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/10054736/Auction-winner-pays-610000-for-cup-of-coffee-with-Apple-chief-Tim-Cook.html |accessdate=12 May 2020 |date=14 May 2013}}</ref> Lamborghini Aventador;<ref>{{cite web |title=Winner of Charity Auction for one of first Aventador Roadster for United States |date=30 April 2013 |url=https://giovannawheels.com/winner-of-charity-auction-for-one-of-first-aventador-roadster-for-united-states/ |accessdate=12 May 2020}}</ref> private tennis lesson with Rafael Nadal;<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Michalski|first=Jennifer|title=The Most Expensive Celebrity Auctions Of 2013|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/celebrity-auctions-2013-2014-1|access-date=2020-11-30|website=Business Insider}}</ref> lunch date with Yahoo! CEO Marissa Mayer at Yahoo!´s headquarters;<ref name=":2" /> cameo role in the Superman vs. Batman film with Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill and Amy Adams;<ref name=":2" /> lunch date with Julia Robert at the Soho House West Hollywood;<ref name=":2" /> sit in on The Howard Stern Show;<ref name=":2" /> meet-and-greet with Katy Perry.<ref name=":2" />

In 2014, the following auctions occurred: coffee date with Steve Perry in Los Angeles;<ref name=":1" /> meet-and-greet with Justin Timberlake,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=2015-01-07|title=The Top 20 Celebrity Charity Auctions Of 2014|url=https://www.looktothestars.org/news/13091-the-top-20-celebrity-charity-auctions-of-2014|access-date=2021-02-23|website=Look to the Stars|language=en}}</ref> backstage meet-and-greet with Paul McCartney at a US concert;<ref name=":1" /> lunch date with Apple's CVP of Software and Services Eddy Cue at Apple Headquarters;<ref name=":1" /> meet-and-greet with Jim Carrey at the Dumb and Dumber To premiere;<ref name=":1" /> visit the Fast Money set and meet Melissa Lee;<ref name=":1" /> signed guitar used by Dave Matthews in 1991 – 1992;<ref name=":1" /> lunch date with Ben Bernanke, the former chairman of the Federal Reserve to benefit the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Getting Fed: Lunch with Ben Bernanke Auctioned for $70,500|url=https://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Articles/2014/05/13/Getting-Fed-Lunch-Ben-Bernanke-Auctioned-70500|access-date=2021-05-03|website=The Fiscal Times|language=en}}</ref>

In 2015, Charitybuzz auctioned a LeBron James Customized 2015 Kia K900 Luxury Sedan to benefit LeBron James Family Foundation.<ref>{{cite web |title=ONE-OF-A-KIND "KING JAMES EDITION" KIA K900 GOES UP FOR AUCTION TODAY TO BENEFIT THE LEBRON JAMES FAMILY FOUNDATION |url=https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/media/pressreleases/10152/one-of-a-kind-king-james-edition-kia-k900-goes-up-for-auction-today-to-benefit-the-lebron-james-fami |website=www.kiamedia.com |language=en}}</ref> The final bid was $111.000. The same year, a lunch with Apple CEO Tim Cook was auctioned to benefit the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights. The final bid was $200,000.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tim Cook Charity Lunch Auction Ends, Earns $200,000 for RFK Center|url=https://www.macrumors.com/2015/05/06/tim-cook-2015-charity-auction-ends/|access-date=2021-05-12|website=MacRumors|date=6 May 2015 |language=en}}</ref> A caddy for Rickie Fowler at the Farmer's Insurance Open Pro-Am in La Jolla, CA was also auctioned to benefit Communities in School and DonorsChoose. The final bid was $17,000.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Dojc|first=Mike|title=Charitybuzz's Five Highest-Grossing Golf Auctions Of All-Time|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikedojc/2019/04/05/charitybuzz-five-priciest-golf-auctions/|access-date=2021-05-17|website=Forbes|language=en}}</ref>

In 2016, the Holy Popemobile! (the Fiat that drove Pope Francis through NYC) was auctioned. Proceeds supported Catholic schools and charities, as well as the international organizations Catholic Relief Services and Catholic Near East Welfare Association. The final bid was $300,000.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|title=Holy popemobile! Fiat that ferried Pope Francis around NYC sells for $300,000|url=https://www.cnn.com/2016/03/30/us/new-york-popemobile-francis-fiat-500-auction/index.html|access-date=2021-05-06|website=CNN|date=30 March 2016}}</ref>

In 2017, Charitybuzz auctioned a lunch with Apple's services chief Eddy Cue at the company's newly constructed Apple Park headquarters. The final bid was $26,000.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Charitybuzz Auctions Another Lunch With Eddy Cue at Apple's New Headquarters|url=https://www.macrumors.com/2017/07/10/eddy-cue-charitybuzz-autism-lunch/|access-date=2021-05-20|website=MacRumors|date=10 July 2017 |language=en}}</ref>

2020 notable auctions: Be one of the first to own a 2021 Limited First-Edition Ford Bronco; final bid: $155,000. Meet Eddie Vedder with two VIP tickets and photo opportunity at a Pearl Jam summer 2021 show; final bid: $111,000. VIP meet-and-greet with social media megastars Charli and Dixie D'Amelio featuring you and the duo in an original TikTok; final bid: $95,000.

== Awards == The Charity Network was named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies in the not-for-profit space in 2017.<ref name="Fast Company 2017">{{cite web|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/company/charity-network|title=Charity Network: Most Innovative Companies|publisher=Fast Company}}</ref>

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== * {{Official website}}

Category:Companies based in New York City Category:Internet properties established in 2005 Category:Online auction websites of the United States Category:Charity fundraising Category:2005 establishments in New York City