Bob Johnson to Launch Charity Auction Site ClubCharity.com

Bob Johnson’s interest in internet businesses continues to grow.  While things have been quite regarding his interest in what was said to be a video destination for content producers called Point of You (see our past coverage on this topic) we learned this morning that he will be launching another site.  This one with less focus on fees to content producers as it’s revenue stream and more focus on his philanthropic side.  The site, ClubCharity.com, will launch Fall 2009 and aims to be “the premier online charity auction” with a focus on making it easy for celebrities and corporations to donate.

The site sounds like it could be a joint venture between CharityBids.org but is being positioned in the release as being “developed in affiliation with CharityBids.”  CharityBids was founded in 2007 by a group of young community activists who have advised and guided various non-profits located around the globe on marketing strategies, fundraising initiatives and awareness events that have collectively raised millions of dollars.

Though the CharityBids site and platform is just…okay, we’ll have to wait until an official launch date of ClubCharity to test the waters there.  The project seems to be off to an impressive start with items being donation so far by Tiger Woods, Beyonce, and Emmitt Smith to name a few.  Specifically they’ve lined up auctions for:

• BET, tickets to the 2010 BET Awards Show

• Beyoncé, tickets to her “Sasha Fierce” concert in London

• Michael Jordan, personalized Chicago Bulls #23 Jersey; authentic autographed NBA basketball; custom made commemorative leather jacket for his 2009 Hall of Fame induction; and a personalized copy of Michael Jordan’s book, Driven From Within

• Tiger Woods, personally signed pin flag from his momentous win at the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines

• Emmitt Smith, autographed Reebok Dallas Cowboys #22 Jersey; authentic autographed NFL football; autographed Riddell Dallas Cowboys Helmet

• Roger Federer, match-worn shirt from the 2009 ATP World Tour Masters 1000

• Boxer Mike Spinks Jinx, autographed boxing gloves

• Denzel Washington, an autographed copy of his book A Hand to Guide Me

• Morgan Freeman, two tickets to the Los Angeles premiere of his new film Invictus and a personal meet and greet with the actor

• Judge Greg Mathis, two tickets to the Judge Mathis Show, personal meet and greet with Judge Mathis and round trip flight and hotel accommodations

• James Ingram, a music experience

• Joe Frazier, autographed boxing gloves

Johnson himself has donated for auction a stay at his private villa located off the coast of Anguilla. He has released this statement outlining what his vision for the property it:

“As founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET) and now chairman of The RLJ
Companies, I have had a wonderful experience over the years working with corporations as well
as celebrities to support many charitable endeavors,” said Johnson. “Ideally, my vision for
ClubCharity is to be a major part of charitable giving. We have garnered the participation and
generous support of many well known celebrities and sports figures, who have donated
personalized items or experiences so their fans can bid on and enjoy all while helping support the
charity of the celebrity’s choice,” he concluded.

Similarly corporations will also choose the charity of choice.  Most auction sites make their money off of transaction fees and processing fees however we weren’t able to uncover the site’s revenue model at the time of publishing.  RLJ Companies was contacted for comment, we’ll update the story if we get a response.

Updated: This initiative is not-for-profit and RLJ Companies won’t make any profit off the proceeds of the auctions.  The site also should be up and running in the next week and they plan to market the site using a variety efforts including social media.