Toy Industry Foundation Partners with Charitybuzz to Auction Off Exciting Experiences

NEW YORK, Sept. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Toy Industry Foundation (TIF), in cooperation with global charity auction site Charitybuzz, announced today the launch of an online fundraising auction featuring one-of-a-kind experiences – including a visit to the set of Sesame Street in New York, tickets to Nickelodeon's 2015 Kids' Choice Awards in LA, and private meetings with top toy executives. Bids may be placed through September 30, 2014 at charitybuzz.com/TIF.  The auction's proceeds will benefit TIF programs and grants which bring the therapeutic benefits of play to children in need around the world.

"We're thrilled to offer such unique experiences through this auction, and we invite toy and play lovers of all ages to participate and support TIF's mission of delivering brand-new toys to millions of kids who are homeless, in foster care, living on a military base, or otherwise in need," said Jean Butler, TIF Executive Director. "Every dollar we receive through this auction will help us bring comfort and a sense of normalcy to the lives of disadvantaged children."

Open now through Tuesday, September 30^th at 2 p.m. (EDT), the auction includes the following items up for bid:

• Lunch with LEGO President Soren Torp Laursen at CT Headquarters
• Coffee with Mattel CEO Bryan Stockton & Tour of Mattel Headquarters
• 4 Tickets to Nickelodeon's 2015 Kids' Choice Awards in LA
• Lunch with American Plastic Toys President/CEO John Gessert & Tour of Headquarters
• 30-Minute Pitch Meeting with Mattel Marketing and Design executives in CA
• Become an Animated Video Character in a VTech Kids GoGo Smart Video!
• Lunch with LeapFrog CEO John Barbour & Tour the Headquarters in Emeryville, CA
• Private Audio Session at the LeapFrog Headquarters; Record Lines in LeapReader and Take Home Personalized Copy
• 1-Hour Power Lunch with Alan Hassenfeld, former Chairman and CEO of Hasbro
• Behind the Scenes Set Visit for 4 to Sesame Street in New York
• Lunch with Former CEO of Mattel, Sega & LeapFrog, Tom Kalinske, in San Francisco
• Meet The Wiggles & Receive 4 Tickets to a Show of Your Choice
• Meet the Kratt Brothers & Receive 4 Tickets to a WILD KRATTS Live Show
• LEGOLAND Tickets and Hotel Package
• Own a one-of-a-kind Venetian Muse Barbie Doll
   

ABOUT TOY INDUSTRY FOUNDATION (www.toyindustryfoundation.org)
The Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) is a non-profit organization whose mission it is to bring joy, comfort, and learning to children in need through play.  The Foundation currently fulfills its mission through core programs including The Toy Bank™ and grants to organizations whose missions are in line with that of the Toy Industry Foundation. The first industry-wide program of its kind, The Toy Bank receives donations of newly manufactured toys from members of the toy industry and distributes them through local charities to underserved, at-risk and homeless children throughout the United States and around the world.

ABOUT CHARITYBUZZ (www.charitybuzz.com)
Charitybuzz raises funds for nonprofits around the globe through online auctions with the world's most recognizable celebrities and brands. Featuring access to acclaimed actors and musicians, business and political leaders, sports stars, luxury travel, couture fashion, rare memorabilia and more, Charitybuzz brings its online community of bidders exclusive opportunities to live their dreams and make a difference. Since launching, Charitybuzz has raised more than $100 million for charity. To learn more, visit www.Charitybuzz.com, like us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Charitybuzz or follow us on Twitter at @Charitybuzz.

SOURCE Toy Industry Foundation