Those of you who have attended previous workshops for eBay Giving Works know that eBay Giving Works is eBay's dedicated charity listing program. Sellers can list an item and donate part or all of its final sale price to a certified nonprofit, and buyers can shop for items that support causes that are important to them.

For sellers in particular, "cause marketing" (marketing that is aligned with a specific cause to position a business positively in customers' eyes while helping worthy causes) is a way to give a boost to successful businesses. Now you have a simple and effective way to incorporate cause marketing with eBay Giving Works. Not only do your listings stand out with a distinctive charity ribbon icon, but your buyers also have additional ways to find your items: by browsing categories on eBay, by using the special search engine on eBay Giving Works, and by viewing on the nonprofits' pages on MissionFish (more on MissionFish in a moment). This increased visibility tends to result in, on average, more bids, higher sale prices, and increased customer loyalty. The ultimate way to do well by doing good!

In our last workshop, we introduced you to Spotlight on a Cause, in which various important causes that you care about are highlighted throughout the year—giving you the opportunity to raise money for the organizations in these different areas. Today, I'm here to tell you about the current Spotlight on a Cause, and tell you how you can get involved.

Spotlight on Making Holiday Dreams Come True

Last year, we saw the devastation of the Gulf Coast Hurricanes. Thanks to the overwhelming response by all of you, millions of dollars were raised for nonprofit organizations active in disaster recovery efforts in that area. But unfortunately, a year later, there is still a lot of work to be done, and our help is still needed.

This holiday season, we invite you to join us for Spotlight on Making Holiday Dreams Come True, to continue to help displaced families rebuild their lives and restore hope to these communities in need.

For this one-of-a-kind event, eBay has teamed up with 8 celebrities: Ray Romano, LeAnn Rimes, Josh Hartnett, Holly Robinson Peete, Oscar de la Hoya, Drew Brees, Jamie Foxx, and Matthew McConaughey. Each of them, in concert with select nonprofits, will purchase items to benefit families and communities in the Gulf Coast region.

They've also each put together personal items or experiences to list on eBay, with all the proceeds going to their designated nonprofits.

You can participate in this event too, and make holiday dreams come true for these communities.

Now through late December, join the stars and eBay employees by listing your own items with eBay Giving Works and donating 10% to 100% of the final sale price to disaster recovery nonprofits (please note, there is a $5 minimum donation required if the item sells). You can choose from a list of fantastic organizations dedicated to disaster relief and recovery. As always, eBay will reward your generosity with the eBay Giving Works Fee Credit Policy—and now through November 23, your eBay Giving Works listing will even earn you points for eBay's Community Counts promotion!

Know someone who's truly gone above and beyond to help out in hurricane recovery efforts? You can nominate them as a Community Champ!

When you click on the "Sell" tab, you will see all of the featured nonprofits displayed (please see screen shot below)

Buyers: it's even easier for you to get involved in the cause! You can bid on any of the celebrity listings mentioned above (check out the current listings by LeAnn Rimes and Josh Hartnett!), or go to Link to check out the many items offered by other eBay sellers who are supporting this effort. It's a phenomenal way to give to your neighbors in need while tackling your holiday shopping, so remember to look for the charity ribbon next to the listings!

Thank you again for joining me today. I hope this has inspired you to join us in the special effort. Your generosity last year amazed all of us, and we know that you will once again show everyone what the eBay Community can accomplish when we unite for an important cause.

As always, be sure look for more opportunities help! We will update you throughout the year with the upcoming causes that will be spotlighted, so please be sure to visit eBay Giving Works regularly to see how you can get involved.

We hope you will join us again in the New Year for new Spotlight on a Cause themes, when we will be focusing on causes such as Healthy Hearts and Arts Advocacy! Stay tuned for more details on how you can get involved with these and many more causes…

Have a happy holiday season!

Best,

Jennifer

eBay Giving Works