Individuals shopping for deals on eBay are feeling even better about their purchases when they find out they’re helping people in southwest Georgia fight cancer.

“Great cause and a sweet deal on my pedal!” writes Jeff, a buyer from Oregon who purchased a new guitar pedal on the “Bid Goodbye to Cancer” online fundraising auction currently being held by  the Southwest Georgia Cancer Coalition, headquartered in Albany.   A local non-profit that focuses on cancer education, screening, research and outreach, the Coalition covers 31 counties in southwest Georgia.

One of the great things about hosting an online auction is that it opens the door to bidders and buyers virtually everywhere, allowing more people to take advantage of excellent bargains  and, at the same time, feel good about supporting  an important cause,” said Cancer Coalition CEO Diane Fletcher. The auction, now in its third week, is being held through MissionFish, a non-profit arm of eBay.

According to Fletcher, auction items have been donated by area businesses and individuals “who share in the Coalition’s mission to relieve the burdens of cancer.

“When we explain that all of the money raised, every cent, stays in southwest Georgia to help southwest Georgians, most everyone has been eager to donate,” she said. “We have been blessed with some incredible items, and we receive more every day.”

Major auction sponsor Regions Bank, along with other sponsors Capitol City Bank & Trust, Albany Bank & Trust, Hi Energy Weight Control Centers of Albany and Thomasville, and Alexander and Vann LLP are helping offset the cost of shipping and other expenses.

Thus far, shoppers from Colorado, California, Florida, Vermont, Montana, New Jersey, Illinois, Georgia – and places in between – have won items in the “Bid Goodbye To Cancer” online auction, most of them stumbling upon items as they browse eBay. Along with each listing is a detailed description of the Cancer Coalition, informing each bidder that their purchase is also a donation.

“I’m praying for a cure,” writes Richard, a buyer from Colorado Springs who was highest bidder on a new coffee grinder.

Shoppers can also see all of the Coalition’s items listed in one place, view more details about the Coalition, and leave comments, by visiting http://myworld.ebay.com/swgacancer.

Current items up for bid on “Bid Goodbye To Cancer” include lamps, signed art, bath and beauty products, Waterford crystal, jewelry, luggage, and much more, including autographed items from Paula Deen, Earl  “Uncle Bubba” Hiers, Roddy White of the Atlanta Falcons, and President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter. An added incentive to purchasing the Carters’ autographed books is that President and Mrs. Carter will personalize them and include the name of the highest bidder.

A special collection of  “local only” donations soon to  be posted will include gift certificates redeemable at Albany locations of Zaxby’s (2 free meals and drinks); Place on the Pointe ($50); John Ross Jewelers ($400); Outback ($90); The LT Nailshop ($100); Mack Hair Salon (stylists Andi Hoff and Shannon LeShea); Henry’s ($50); The Cakery ($25); Carino’s ($25); Frame ‘O Mind Photography (free portrait sitting and 8x10); Moe’s Southwest Grill (dinner for two); Anne Bass, Anne’s Photography (sitting fee and 11x14 portrait); IHOP ($50); and more.

“Keep checking the site (http://myworld.ebay.com/swgacancer),” recommends  Fletcher. “Great new products and services are being added every day.” The auction is expected to run through June 15, 2010.

For more information about the Southwest Georgia Cancer Coalition, please visit our website at www.swgacancer.org <http://www.swgacancer.org> , or call 229.312.1700.

For more information, contact:

Mandy Flynn, Communications Coordinator

Southwest Georgia Cancer Coalition

[email protected]

229.312.1700