News

eBay and Primedia have announced an industry-wide online charity event, which will culminate during the Home Entertainment 2002 Show (HE 2002), May 31–June 2, 2002. The charity event will bring the latest and greatest in home-theater and audio products to enthusiasts around the world, while benefiting The Elf Foundation, a charity created and supported by the consumer electronics industry.

The Elf Foundation builds entertainment and Internet-based education systems in children's hospitals and ancillary facilities around the country. The event provides a means for HE 2002 exhibitors to join forces to raise money for the charity while showcasing the newest audio and home-theater products and technologies. All proceeds from the sale of donated items benefit the foundation.

Exhibitors wishing to participate can donate recently introduced products as well as products slated for introduction at the show. The products will be offered for auction on eBay starting May 20 and remain active through June 3, 2002, through eBay's dedicated charity section (www.ebay.com/hes). Thanks to eBay's worldwide trading platform, consumers everywhere will have the chance to purchase the latest and greatest home entertainment products while helping sick children and their families.

"This is a great opportunity for HE 2002 exhibitors to come together and show again the philanthropic spirit of our industry," said Doug Weinstein of The Elf Foundation. "We've seen a huge rise in consumer demand for home entertainment and home theater products, so this is a win for everyone, especially The Elf Foundation."

"eBay is excited to be working with Primedia and HE 2002 exhibitors in support of The Elf Foundation," said Gary Calega, senior category manager of eBay's Consumer Electronics business. "A home entertainment product sells on eBay every 15 seconds, so we're in a great position to help raise funds for this wonderful cause."

Kenwood, Yamaha, InFocus, Audio Association Corporation, and Terk Technologies have already committed various products to the event, including home theater receivers, rooftop HD antennas, projectors, wireless microphone systems, and DVD players.

The Elf Foundation, a non-profit charity organization composed of consumer and professional electronics dealers, manufacturers, and manufacturer's representatives, as well as media and industry organizations, designs and installs entertainment and Internet-based educational systems—"Rooms of Magic"—in children's hospitals and ancillary facilities throughout the country. The Elf Foundation is a rallying point for the entire consumer electronics industry to contribute their talent, ideas, time, money, and equipment to establish a positive industry legacy.

eBay has helped numerous charities raise millions, including the Katie Couric Colorectal Foundation, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and Rosie O'Donnell's For All Kids Foundation. Recently, eBay supported Bids To Help Kids, an event hosted in conjunction with the Consumer Electronics Association during the 2002 International Consumer Electronics Show, benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

Home Entertainment 2002 participants wishing to donate products should contact Doug Weinstein at (949) 673-2557.