Checking Out Chideo

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By JohnPosted In: Charity Activity

chideoIf you haven’t heard of Chideo yet, you might want to come close. This is a new website and app that offers users the way to get close to their favorite stars while raising money for various charities.

Chideo is a combination of charity and video. Fans can create a free account on Chideo and then follow their favorite movie stars, athletes and other celebrities. Users can suggest content that they want to see from their favorite celebrities. The suggestions that garner the most votes will get answered by the celebrities.

Fans can then watch the exclusive content by donating a small fee that will go to the celebrity’s favorite charity. Donations start for as little as $1.99.

As the Chideo site says, “Think of it as one-of-a-kind content with a conscience.” It’s really a very creative idea whose time has come.

Daniel Straus: Healthbridge Valentine’s Day Fundraiser

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By JohnPosted In: Charity ActivityTagged: , , ,

Head Shot - Daniel E StrausThe Valentine’s Ball took place yesterday, as a fundraiser executed by Daniel Straus.  Healthbridge’s owner organized the evening to support The Valerie Fund that seeks to support children with cancer and blood disorders.  Straus explained that all those working with him for the cause, “feel that there’s no more meaningful way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than in support of The Valerie Fund. The work of The Valerie Fund is heartwarming, supporting both superb state-of-the-art outpatient healthcare and emotional support each year for thousands of New Jersey children with cancer and blood disorders. The fund is a wonderful example of love being expressed by giving to others, and we are proud to support it. We’ve set a fundraising goal of $1 million. That’s an ambitious goal but I am confident in the ability of our team to achieve and perhaps even exceed it.”

Various executives and staff at CareOne, HealthBridge Management and Care Virginia have been working hard for this fundraiser.  Of their efforts, Straus said, “I am so proud…“In addition to CareOne executives and team members, residents of many of our Centers raised funds with events such as bake sales and jewelry sales. Many of our vendors and suppliers also participated. This is the CareOne community coming together to help those in need.”

The event was held at Martime Parc, Jersey City, featuring dancing, live and silent auctions, celebrity appearances and more.  Funds will go towards the Valerie Fund Centers as well as Camp Happy Times scholarships.

Charitybuzz Hits the Mark in 2013

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By JohnPosted In: Charity Activity

The online charity auction site Charitybuzz is certainly doing good business. Their goal is to bring together celebrities and brands to benefit charities. In 2013, their figures show that they raised $30 million with their auction of close to 12, 000 packages.

Since launching, they have raised a whopping total of $100 million for nonprofits. Here is a taste of their top celebrity auctions from 2013:

You, too, could meet Apple CEO Tim Cook for $610,000

You, too, could meet Apple CEO Tim Cook for $610,000

For $26,000, a fan got to attend the premier of Lee Daniel’s The Butler and meet Oprah Winfrey, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Lee Daniels on the red carpet. Proceeds went to La Jolla Playhouse.

For $33,125 someone was able to pitch a business idea to Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. The proceeds benefited WWE Superstars for Sandy Relief.

It only cost $36,000 to play a round of golf with Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Proceeds went to the Humane Society of the United States.

For 45,000 one person got to have a walk-on role in the Superman/Batman film that will star Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill and Amy Adams. Proceeds went to the Dominic M. Aguilar Special Needs Trust.

It only took $110,000 to get a private dinner for four with President Clinton. Proceeds went to Oceana.

Finally, for $610,000 someone gets to have coffee with Apple CEO Tim Cook at the Apple headquarters. Proceeds are going to The RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights.