ClubCharity.com Celebrates Official Launch With Celebrity Support for Charitable Giving

BETHESDA, Md., June 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Robert L. Johnson, founder and chairman of The RLJ Companies, today announced the official launch of www.ClubCharity.com, the premier online charity auction site for corporate and celebrity charitable giving.

ClubCharity.com is a custom built auction platform developed in affiliation with CharityBids, an online auction site renowned for its global non-profit fund raising and expertise. ClubCharity.com will allow celebrities to auction off items and experiences as part of their social responsibility using the technology of the Internet.  

As a part of the launch event in coordination with the Entertainment Industry Foundation, Academy Award-winning actor Tom Hanks, donated his customized 2004 Prius to support Major League Baseball's Welcome Back Veterans (WBV) initiative. Welcome Back Veterans was created to assist OEF/OIF veterans and their families with deployment-related mental health concerns. The 2004 Prius has been converted to a plug-in Hybrid and features an autographed glove box personally signed by Hanks.

"I'm truly excited about the relationships we have created for charitable giving. Through ClubCharity.com, this is a great way to connect celebrities and their fans while benefitting charity at the same time," said Johnson, founder of ClubCharity.com. "Tom Hanks is a prime example of how his star power will directly benefit a worthwhile cause because he is one of the most influential celebrities and his support is invaluable," he concluded.

"MLB's Welcome Back Veterans is offering crucial support services to America's military men and women and their families," said Hanks. "When it comes to supporting our veterans and their families, I am proud to do whatever I can."

In addition to Hanks, Johnson has garnered the support from many celebrities in the entertainment industry on behalf of ClubCharity.com. Having donated for auction a stay at his personal villa off the coast of Anguilla, Johnson has rallied other celebrities to become involved for their designated charities. A sample of celebrity items that were donated to the site include:

• Holly Robinson Peete, designer gown, made for and worn by Holly Robinson Peete;
• Emmitt Smith, autographed Reebok Dallas Cowboys #22 Jersey and authentic autographed NFL football;
• Roger Federer, match-worn shirt from the 2009 ATP World Tour Masters 1000;
• Ludacris, personalized sports jacket and autographed sneakers;
• Morgan Freeman, one of a kind autographed script from the movie Invictus starring Morgan Freeman and directed by Clint Eastwood;  
• Michael Bolton, VIP Concert Experience; and,
• Joe Frazier, autographed boxing gloves.

To place bids on one of a kind items benefiting charity, visit www.ClubCharity.com to place bids today!

About The RLJ Companies: The RLJ Companies, founded by Robert L. Johnson is a diverse portfolio of companies in the financial services and asset management; sports and entertainment; real estate; automotive, and gaming industries. The RLJ Companies is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, with affiliate operations in Charlotte, NC; Little Rock, AR; Los Angeles, CA; Orlando, FL; San Juan, PR and Monrovia, Liberia.

About ClubCharity.com: www.ClubCharity.com  is the premier online charity auction website created by Bob Johnson, founder and chairman of The RLJ Companies in affiliation with CharityBids, an online auction site renowned for its global non-profit fund raising and expertise. ClubCharity is an online philanthropic website as well as a resource for entrepreneurs, shoppers, and fans to find collectibles, exciting experiences, and other personalized novelties for the sole purpose of giving back and helping those in need.  

About CharityBids: CharityBids is a turnkey online auction platform exclusively for non-profit fund raising. CharityBids guides its non-profit affiliates through every stage of the auction process and enables them to extend their reach to new supporters outside of their respective communities. By joining CharityBids, non-profit organizations gain infinite exposure to the world at large, which ultimately results in increased financial support from newfound sources.

About Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF): The Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), as a leading charitable organization of the entertainment industry, has distributed hundreds of millions of dollars to support charitable initiatives addressing critical health, education and social issues. Visit www.eifoundation.org.

CONTACT: Traci Otey Blunt, 240.744.7858, [email protected]

SOURCE The RLJ Companies