Online Fundraising Startup to Raise Money for Gulf Oil Spill at TechCrunch Conference

NEW YORK, May 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Of the 1,500 leading technology innovators and investors and 150 new startups attending the TechCrunch Disrupt conference this week, only one startup is fundraising for the Gulf Oil Spill to demonstrate their business model.

Today, May 24, StayClassy, a free, innovative social fundraising service for nonprofits, will be providing Disrupt attendees with the opportunity to donate to the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Project setup by Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge.  Their goal is to showcase the site's ability to capture donations for any cause at any time.

"Over the past decade, TechCrunch has established itself as the premier place to learn about new and disruptive startup companies in the technology industry," said StayClassy CEO, Scot Chisholm. "StayClassy is honored to be participating in such a high profile event and excited to use this platform to help aid the ongoing crisis that has unfolded in the Gulf of Mexico."

For every attendee who donates at least $1 to StayClassy.org/gulf-cleanup at the exhibit booth, StayClassy will contribute an additional $5 to the cause.  Additionally, all donors will receive a CLASSY T-shirt to showcase their goodwill.

A Chance to Participate in Startup Battlefield

StayClassy is competing in TechCrunch Disrupt's Startup Alley with the hope that conference attendees vote them into the esteemed Startup Battlefield competition. Only three companies will be chosen from Startup Alley to join on the main stage for a chance to win $50,000.

For more information on StayClassy or to make a donation to Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Project, visit StayClassy.org/gulf-cleanup.

About StayClassy

StayClassy (www.stayclassy.org) is an innovative social fundraising service for nonprofits.  Their online platform helps nonprofits leverage the power of social media to expand their donor network, view donor analytics, communicate with members faster, collect online donations and most importantly, empower people to host fundraisers on their behalf ... all for free!  Established in 2006, their goal is to engage young professionals to support charitable initiatives in their community through fundraising events and volunteer activities.  Since then, StayClassy has supported dozens of nonprofit organizations in the San Diego area and attracted over 30,000 members.

About TechCrunch Disrupt

TechCrunch Disrupt (http://disrupt.techcrunch.com), May 24-26, 2010, at 570 Washington Street, is TechCrunch's inaugural conference in New York attracting over 1,500 leading technology innovators and investors and over 150 new startups.  The format combines top thought-leader TechCrunchIT.  TechCrunch's CrunchBase, is the leading, open database about start-up companies, people and investors.  In addition to Disrupt, TechCrunch hosts other conferences and events, including The Crunchies Awards and various meet-ups worldwide serving as community platforms for industry conversation and collaboration discussions with new product and company launches.  Morning executive discussions debate the most timely disruptions in media, advertising and technology.  Afternoons host the Startup Battlefield where 25 new companies will launch for the first time on stage, selected to present from more than 500 applications received from around the world.  Another 100 early-stage startups will exhibit in Startup Alley.  TechCrunch will award a $50,000 grand prize along with other award recognitions at the conclusion of the conference.

TechCrunch (www.techcrunch.com) is a leading technology media network, dedicated to obsessively profiling and reviewing new Internet products and companies. Founded in 2005, TechCrunch and its network of websites reach over 8 million unique visitors and more than 25 million page views per month.  TechCrunch operates a global network of websites including dedicated properties in Europe and Japan as well as specialized industry websites including MobileCrunch, CrunchGear, and TechCrunchIT.  TechCrunch's CrunchBase, is the leading, open database about start-up companies, people and investors.  In addition to Disrupt, TechCrunch hosts other conferences and events, including The Crunchies Awards and various meet-ups worldwide serving as community platforms for industry conversation and collaboration.

About Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge

The mission of the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge (ECWR) is education, conservation and rehabilitation for the welfare of Florida's natural fauna. Over the past 13 years, the ECWR has cared for thousands of animals in need of help – from stranded dolphins to injured eagles to orphaned foxes.

SOURCE StayClassy