eBay Giving Works for Worthy Causes

Sometimes I wonder what our lives would be like without eBay? Especially if you're a collector of vintage objets d'art, it's like being a little kid in a candy store. But while you exercise your collecting urges, you can also be a philanthropist. Through eBay Giving Works program you can "help rescue animals, build homes, supply vaccines, provide clean water, educate children, plant trees and so much more. It's as easy as looking for the blue and yellow ribbon when you shop, donating part of a sale to a cause you care about, making an online charitable contribution, or all three!" EBay has donated $166 million to charitable causes thus far. And you can add to that if you like some of the things that I found on eBay, each with a percentage of the sale going to their designated charities.

I love mid-century modern design. I live in a mid-century modern house in Los Angeles. I have some classic mid-century furniture pieces scattered throughout my living space. I love the clean lines and pure aesthetics of that era which never goes out of style. I often find wonderful mid-century furniture and collectibles on eBay. Here's what I found today:

This rare Eames era Marilyn Neuhart mod fabric doll was first made for the Herman Miller Textiles and Objects (T&O) store in Manhattan in 1959. This is a special limited edition, made circa 2003 by a women's artisan co-operative in New Mexico, measuring 9 inches tall and featuring fire engine red-colored yarn hair and a hand silk-screened flower and peace dove decoration, on natural, handwoven Mexicotton. These silk-screened Marilyn Neuhart dolls, originally marketed by maXimo Design, have been out of print for some time and are considered rare. The doll still has the maXimo tag attached, which includes the background story. It's eBay buy it now price is $295.

Each doll is unique. This one, named Sonia, made in 2004 measures 6.5 inches tall and features turquoise blue yarn and hair and a hand-embroidered two heart decoration on vintage turquoise and avocado Alexander Girard Mexicotton. The doll is signed by Marilyn Neuhart on the back, under the hairline, and comes with a signed Certificate of Authenticity and a beautiful T&O name tag, also dated and signed. It's eBay buy it now price is $225.

Both dolls are from a private collection and have been archived in protective plastic. 10% of the final sale price (with a small deduction for MissionFish which administers the process) goes to Save the Children - a leading independent organization that creates lasting, positive change for children in need. Save the Children's programs in health, eduction, economic opportunities, emergency assistance and protection benefit over 41 million children in more than 50 countries throughout the world, including the United States. Working with families to define and solve the problems their children and communities face and utilizing a broad array of strategies to ensure self-sufficiency is the cornerstone of all Save the Children programs. Since 1919 in the aftermath of World War I, Save the Children has evolved into a leading international relief and development organization.

I'll check these eBay Giving Works auctions throughout the year and let you know what lovely designer gems I find and about the worthy charitable causes they benefit. And if you're ready to clean out those closets and sell some stuff on eBay, sell it through the eBay Giving Works and donate to your own favorite causes!