Auction PR Publicity Announcements News and Information
Auction PR Publicity Announcements News and Information

Tom Hanks to Auction Off Toyota Prius to support Welcome Back Veterans (WBV) Initiative

Through the Entertainment Industry Foundation, Academy Award-winning actor Tom Hanks, donated his customized 2004 Prius to support Welcome Back Veterans (WBV) initiative. Welcome Back Veterans is an initiative created by Major League Baseball to assist OEF/OIF veterans and their families with deployment-related mental health concerns. The 2004 Prius has been converted to a plug-in Hybrid and features an autographed glove box personally signed by Hanks.

“Welcome Back Veterans is offering crucial support services to America’s military men and women and their families,” said Hanks. “When it comes to supporting our veterans and their families, I am proud to do whatever I can.”

WBV is committed to providing treatment for veterans and their families in a public/private partnership with the Veterans Administration, Department of Defense, Major League Baseball Charities, the McCormick Foundation, and the Entertainment Industry Foundation. The goal is to transform the lives of our veterans by changing the way people think and talk about the unique readjustment issues faced by returning servicemen and women, while providing ongoing mental health treatment for veterans and their families in addition to funding research.

The car will be auctioned on ClubCharity.com, which was created in affiliation with CharityBids.org, an online auction platform renowned for its principals’ global non-profit fund raising expertise, employs unique digital media solutions to power branded corporate social responsibility programs and celebrity sponsored fundraising initiatives, all to help those who are less fortunate.

“I’m truly excited about the relationships we have created for charitable giving. Tom Hanks is a perfect example,” said Robert L. Johnson, founder and chairman of The RLJ Companies and founder of ClubCharity.com. “He is one of the most influential celebrities and his support is invaluable to the cause.”

Bidding begins on www.ClubCharity.com, Tues, June 29, at 1:00PM EDT and will end on July 19, at 8:00PM EDT, with all proceeds benefiting Welcome Back Veterans.

About The Entertainment Industry Foundation: The Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), as a leading charitable organization of the entertainment industry, has distributed hundreds of millions of dollars to support charitable initiatives addressing critical health, education and social issues. Visit www.eifoundation.org.

About Welcome Back Veterans: Welcome Back Veterans is an MLB Charities initiative in partnership with the McCormick Foundation and the Entertainment Industry Foundation. The program is supported by Major League Baseball Advanced Media and MLB Network. Welcome Back Veterans has awarded more than $8 million in grants to non-profit agencies targeting veterans’ and their families greatest needs. For additional information on Welcome Back Veterans, please go to www.WelcomeBackVeterans.org.

About ClubCharity.com: www.ClubCharity.com is the premier online charity auction website created by Bob Johnson, founder and chairman of The RLJ Companies in affiliation with CharityBids.org, an online auction platform renowned for its principals’ global non-profit fund raising and expertise. ClubCharity is an online philanthropic website as well as a resource for entrepreneurs, shoppers, and fans to find collectibles, exciting experiences, and other personalized novelties for the sole purpose of giving back and helping those in need.