Cross-posted from DU General Discussion re: Great idea for *Givft* giving this year!

[hisownpetard]

A great gift idea, especially this year: A *givft" card whose proceeds go 100% to charity.

My niece, who lives in GA, gave up a very lucrative and successful career with the Atlanta
Constitution to devote herself to developing this concept and creating this company, all on
her own.

Here's an article that just appeared in Market Watch:


PRESS RELEASE
Philanthropy Gift Cards, With a Twist - Sold at H-E-B

Last update: 11:53 a.m. EST Nov. 13, 2008
ATLANTA, Nov 13, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --

Givft.org announced that its charity donation gift cards known as a Givfts (pronounced 'gift' and means 'the gift of giving') will be available at H-E-B starting the week of Nov. 17. According to the 2008 National Retail Federation survey, more than half of all consumers say they plan to buy gift cards this holiday season. Shoppers like gift cards mainly because they are easy to buy and they give the recipient a choice.

Seizing on the popularity of gift cards, Givft.org has merged the gift card concept with another valued tradition, charitable donations made in honor of another. Givft donation cards are similar to merchant gift cards, but rather than buying things at a store, the recipient goes on-line to select a charity beneficiary. A Givft serves a dual purpose, it is a gift to a friend and a gift to society.

"Many people realize that giving somebody another tie or scarf that they don't necessarily want or need is not as gratifying as giving them the opportunity support a cause they care about," said Alana Berlin, creator of Givft donation cards. "As a gift that gives back, Givft donation cards provide a positive experience for both the giver and the recipient." Givft cards will be available at H-E-B next week and will cost a $25 tax deductible donation plus a $2.95 (non tax deductible) activation fee. One hundred percent of the Givft donation goes to the charity. H-E-B will provide the purchaser with a receipt that can be used for tax deduction purposes. The Givft card recipient later visits www.givft.org to choose a charity. Givft.org offers a screened list of charities that reflect a range of causes that are conveniently divided into a variety of categories such as Children, Environment and Hunger Relief, among others.

Founded in 2005, Givft.org is a social enterprise with a charitable mission and intent to be self-sustaining. With the use of our patent pending donation gift cards, Givft.org aspires to harness the power of retail and corporate gift markets to generate resources for social good. The goals are to raise philanthropic awareness, enable consumers to reduce wasteful gift spending and generate donations for the many non-profit organizations working to better our world. For more information, please visit www.givft.org or contact us.
SOURCE Givft.org

http://www.givft.org
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I'm very proud of her. Just thought I would post this for people who are thinking of a more socially significant way of
gift giving, this year.

Thanks, y'all!



"Higher than 'thou shalt' stands 'I will,' and higher than 'I will' stands 'I am.' -F. Nietzsche

[Lisa0825]

1. What a great idea!!!!

Thanks for posting it!

[hisownpetard]

2. Thanks for commenting!

[sonias]

3. I like it!

I think it's a part of holidays I have never liked. The whole mass consumption frenzy. And I don't like getting a whole lot of gifts either. I would be really be happier if I got a gift.org card where I could decide what charities get my donations. Sweet!

It's one of the reasons I use CREDO as our phone service. They give money to non-profits every year and you get to vote on them on your bill at the end of the year.

Thanks for the idea! I think I will buy some of these for friends and family.

:applause:


Sonia

[hisownpetard]

4. That's awesome. My niece is just getting this operation off the ground and will be happy to hear

about people's positive reactions, so thank you for that!