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EBay Announces 'Auction for America' Challenge to Raise $100 Million

Governor George E. Pataki and Mayor Rudolph Giuliani on Monday announced that, in response to their call for support, eBay has created "Auction for America," an interactive way for people around the world to help the victims and families of Tuesday's horrific terrorist attacks.

Beginning on Monday, eBay users will be able to buy and sell goods on the Internet site specifically for the purpose of raising money for the victims and families. The company has challenged itself, through its community of 34 million registered users, to raise $100 million in 100 days.

"This unbearable tragedy has brought out the best in New Yorkers and people from around the world and has proven that every single individual can make a difference," Governor Pataki said. "eBay has stepped up in an unprecedented way, providing yet another example of how New Yorkers and people throughout the world are coming together to support the victims of this horrible attack."

Through a separate "Auction for America" category on the site, eBay sellers can now list items that are earmarked for the "September 11th Fund." The Fund, established by the United Way of New York City and the New York Community Trust, is focused on short-term emergency assistance to provide for the urgent needs of people affected by the attacks. Engineers and staff at eBay have been working around the clock and plan to add additional charities to the site as soon as technically feasible.

Items will be highlighted throughout the eBay marketplace so that buyers can clearly identify them. Once a sale is made, all proceeds from the transaction will be contributed directly to the charity selected by the seller.

To start the march towards the goal of $100 million in 100 days, the eBay Foundation will contribute the first $1 million dollars.
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