Celebrities

Celebrities came out in droves last night for the televised Red Nose Day fundraiser event. But in a viral climate that favors "authentic" experiences, the very notion of a telethon has taken a backseat to more organic social media movements.

Charitybuzz, which raises funds for nonprofits around the globe through online auctions with celebrities and brands, released its top 25 celebrity auctions of 2013.

Letting someone else say your nonprofit is terrific can break through to potential donors better than any of your well-crafted appeals.

"Smash" star Katharine McPhee has joined forces with Malaria No More on the “Dream Big” campaign, an effort to help end malaria deaths in Africa and help children achieve their dreams. Beginning Jan. 17, people can text “DREAM” to 85944 for the chance to take a trip to Africa with Katharine McPhee and make a $10 donation to Malaria No More; every donation will treat a child for malaria.

The first annual Hilarity for Charity will be Jan. 13 in Los Angeles. As co-hosts of the evening, Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller along with friends will bring together stand up, sketch comedy, musical performances, food trucks and a chance to buy your way into heaven — all in the name of Alzheimer’s research and awareness.

Miley Cyrus announced she will be joining the Starkey Hearing Foundation for a return visit to  bring the gift of hearing to Haiti after making a generous donation that helped tip the scales at this year’s So The World May Hear Awards Gala held on Sunday, July 24, 2011.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research seems to have it all wrong, going against conventional fundraising wisdom at seemingly every turn. Yet the $57 million MJFF raised last year ($50 million of which went toward its mission) tells a different story. The foundation, which has funded more than $240 million in research since its founding 10 years ago, is light on its feet and built for speed.

April 22, 2010, Reuters — Former Secretary of State Colin Powell, billionaire Bill Gates and Queen Rania of Jordan will put their fame to work this week as they join a Twitter campaign to end malaria deaths.

Ashton Kutcher, Ryan Seacrest and other Hollywood celebrities have also joined the Twitter campaign. Starting on Wednesday, the participants will send out "tweets" encouraging the public to donate to buy bednets which guard against the mosquitoes that spread malaria in Africa.

Gates will also take part in TV charity fundraiser "Idol Gives Back" on Wednesday to promote the fight against malaria and other health causes.

Organizers of the Twitter fund-raising push are working with the United Nations Special Envoy for Malaria, Ray Chambers.