BOZEMAN, Mont., June 15, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Unable to easily sell the thousands of vacation properties donated to them in the down economy, a special non-profit has found a new way to manage their growing (and expensive) inventory while continuing to raise money for charities: let other non-profits auction the vacation weeks.
Donateforacause.org, dedicated to converting unwanted timeshares to cash on behalf of other charities, is working with their new affiliate, Charity Vacation Auctions. Together they are offering a vast selection of vacation weeks for non-profits to use at their own fundraisers in silent, live and online auctions. Each donated property now has the potential to be an ongoing source of income for good causes for years to come.
Charities can generate significant cash because the retail value of any given vacation week is typically 2 to 4 times the minimum bid (set to cover maintenance fees and other costs). For instance, the Ronald McDonald House just made $2,670 using the program at one of their fundraisers. And their winning bidder still went to The Hilton Bay Club in Waikoloa, Hawaii, at a discount.
The process is effortless and risk free. CVA does all the work, from supplying auction materials to confirming the reservation in the winner's name. These weeks can also be paired with airfare; as well as tickets to shows, theme parks or a round of golf to make a whole package and increase bids. And CVA will simply take the property back if the minimum auction bid is not met.
CVA offers such exotic vacations as a two bedroom ocean front condo at the Westin Ka'anapali in Maui; a one bedroom suite at Manhattan Club on 5th Ave. in New York City, and a villa that sleeps twelve at the Monte Cristo Resort in Cabo San Lucas. But they have countless local ones too, like a week in Las Vegas, Branson or New Orleans, which are great for charities who want something within driving range.
"The program is a resounding success," says Suzy Tarpey, auction coordinator at CVA. "We're helping lots of good causes get much needed funds. It's working so well, this may actually help give timeshares a good name."
Charities interested in participating in the program can find more info at charityvacationauctions.com. Anyone interested in donating their timeshares for a significant tax rebate can visit donateforacause.org.
The Donate For A Cause logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=8808
Publicity contact:
Chris Kelley
406-333-9999
chris@polestarcom.com
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Suzanne Tarpey, Auction Coordinator, www.charityvacationauctions.com •3701 Trakker Trail Ste 2J, Bozeman, MT 59718 • (877)767-0071
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