"Auction for America," eBay's online charity effort designed to help the victims and families of those affected by the events of September 11, reached its 100th and final day on December 25. More than 100,000 users, ranging from individuals, political leaders and celebrities to small businesses, manufacturers and retailers, have raised $10 million. The final few transactions are expected to close in the next few weeks.

"I'm extremely proud of everyone who participated in 'Auction for America' and honored to have been part of the team," said Meg Whitman, President and CEO of eBay. "We had hoped to raise more, but given the massive outpouring of support that occurred following September 11, I'm pleased with what we achieved. Our user community and employees have again demonstrated how special they are. eBay is a wonderful platform for doing good."

To help streamline the process for "Auction for America," eBay created a secure direct payment feature that allowed sellers to list items for charity and buyers to send the purchase price directly to the designated organizations. An enhanced version of this tool will be rolled out this spring as a permanent site feature, permitting a wide range of charities to more efficiently extend their online fundraising efforts to eBay's community of 38 million users.

"Although charity groups have a long history of using eBay, 'Auction for America' drove home just how powerful our community can be for organizations hoping to raise funds," said Whitman. "By sharing the fundraising tool developed for 'Auction for America,' we hope to make eBay useful to even more groups."

Launched on September 17, "Auction for America" allowed people around the world to buy and sell goods online to raise money for the victims, their families and communities affected by the terrorist attacks of September 11. Billpoint, eBay's online payment solution, along with Visa, MasterCard, Wells Fargo Bank, and Discover Financial Services Inc., waived their customary fees for "Auction for America." One hundred percent of all proceeds benefited one of seven charitable organizations selected by the seller, including: September 11th Children's Fund; The Robin Hood Relief Fund; The September 11th Fund; New York State World Trade Center Relief Fund; Twin Towers Fund; American Red Cross; and, Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund.

More than 230,000 items were listed as part of "Auction for America." Individuals across the country listed a wide variety of items, parting with prized collectibles or creating original art, often with a patriotic theme. Children, too, did their part by creating group projects at school or making their own crayon drawings to sell for the cause. New York Governor George E. Pataki and New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, who helped kick off "Auction for America," donated a photo of Joe DiMaggio and a baseball signed by Yogi Berra respectively. Thirty-eight of the nation's governors sold items from their home states, from a West Virginia quilt to a week in Hawaii. Members of Congress donated a wide range of memorabilia, including a flag that Rep. Kay Granger (R-12th TX) had signed by every sitting member of the House and Senate, believed to be a first since the Declaration of Independence.

In addition, the entertainment industry contributed a variety of items, including walk-on roles on popular Fox Entertainment TV series, Jay Leno's celebrity-signed Harley Davidson, unique props from "Star Wars," and the framed flag from the "Good Morning America" set. Sports stars -- from tennis and golf to football and baseball -- donated autographed racquets, clubs, balls and jerseys. Companies in almost every industry also donated products or services, including Palm handhelds, Club Med getaway packages, Starbucks coffee, Hasbro toys, Taco Bell quesadillas, Microsoft software, and Levi's jeans, to name only a few.

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eBay Inc.

eBay Inc. (NASDAQ: EBAY) is a global commerce leader including the Marketplace, StubHub and Classifieds platforms. Collectively, we connect millions of buyers and sellers around the world, empowering people and creating opportunity through Connected Commerce. Founded in 1995 in San Jose, Calif., eBay is one of the world's largest and most vibrant marketplaces for discovering great value and unique selection. In 2016, eBay enabled $84 billion of gross merchandise volume. For more information about the company and its global portfolio of online brands, visit www.ebayinc.com. 

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