BJ's has launched its 2006 Charity Championship Online Auction. Participants can place a bid on items such as autographed sports memorabilia, vacation packages, electronics and diamond jewelry. All proceeds from the online auction will be donated to BJ's Charitable Foundation to fund nonprofit organizations that help children and their families live healthier, happier and more secure lives. A $150,000 grant from the BJ's Charitable Foundation earlier this year funded the first outdoor playground at Children's Hospital Boston.

A leading operator of warehouse clubs in the eastern United States, BJ's selected cMarket to host the online auctions. cMarket is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and was founded to provide new fundraising opportunities for not-for-profit organizations. BJ's Spokesperson Sharyn Frankel said she and others on the team had used cMarket successfully in the past, and was impressed with the software and helpdesk. "cMarket was more cost effective for us. They take a small percentage of the total raised in the auction, and since this is for charity, that was an important factor for us to take into consideration."

Frankel explained that while cMarket has the capability to send out emails for them, BJ's decided to handle those internally. "We're reaching out to our Members through our website, bjs.com and through emails. We also sent a press release over PR Newswire this morning."

http://www.bjs.cmarket.com