Founded in 2004, the organization Charitybuzz has raised more than $40 million by hooking up celebrities with nonprofit organizations and eager bidders. Former Internet entrepreneur Coppy Holzman, cofounder and CEO of the organization, began the venture by persuading his A-list friends to donate “experiences” (meet-and-greets, dinner) to the highest bidder in a Charitybuzz online auction. Money raised from the auction goes to a designated nonprofit organization such as childrens’ hospitals and foreign-aid groups. Since it began, the company has worked with more than 1,000 nonprofits worldwide, including Oxfam International and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Read ‘Tis the Season of Giving

Charitybuzz’s website (charitybuzz.com)  always has a lot of interesting stuff up for bid, and while you might not be able to afford, say, an on-screen moment with Johnny Depp (that went for $91,000) it’s still fun to look at—and, along the way,  learn about charitable groups doing some great work.

Check out Betty’s favorite current auctions...