A new auction site launched today aims to help charities profit from the explosive popularity of Internet auctions and the generosity of Web philanthropists.
WebCharity.com is bringing charity auctions online, where they can be mounted without the fuss and muss of caterers, inventory, and other analog trappings that can mute the "ca-chink" of cash to charities.
"We're trying to leverage the power of the Internet to make raising money more efficient than it could be done in real world," says Ross Kudwitt, CEO of the privately held, Branford, Connecticut-based auction site.
In addition to full-scale charity auctions, the site will feature a "virtual thrift store" that allows individuals to hawk wares on behalf of their favorite charities, and areas to match corporate donors with charities.
Proceeds from all sales will go to designated charities. But WebCharity is also a business, and will draw its revenue from banner ads (split 50/50 with charities) and a 10 percent on sales, collected from buyers.
A partnership with AuctionUniverse will allow the well-trafficked site's members to participate in WebCharity.com's auctions as buyers or sellers without having to re-register.
