Entrepreneur And Chideo Founder Todd Wagner Expands His Philanthropic Network With Acquisition Of Majority Interest In Charitybuzz

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Todd Wagner, CEO and founder of Chideo, announced that he has acquired the majority stake in fundraising powerhouse Charitybuzz – the online charity auction platform that has raised over $150 million to date for its nonprofit clients. The acquisition marks the latest expansion to his growing charity network, which already includes Chideo and Prizeo. In unifying three of the top digital fundraising platforms, Wagner has solidified his position as the owner of the largest coalition of charity-based fundraising platforms.

Founded in 2005 by Coppy Holzman, Charitybuzz is a pioneer in philanthropy and the premier on- line charity auction marketplace. Its bidder network is considered the most affluent and philanthropic community in the world. The company will continue to operate as its own entity based in New York City with Holzman overseeing all day-to-day activities.

"I am incredibly excited that this new partnership with Charitybuzz means uniting some of the top minds in the philanthropic space to collaborate, instead of compete, and bolster our ability to produce funds and awareness for charities around the world," said Wagner. "Fundraising tools have not yet evolved to meet the demand of issues worldwide or modernized to effectively infiltrate our technology-based society. It's time we disrupt fundraising in a positive way and we are thrilled to take on this endeavor with the Charitybuzz team."

The acquisition of Charitybuzz is the third major charitable announcement to come from Wagner this year. In early 2015, Wagner launched Chideo—the first and only charity broadcast network— and this summer, Wagner announced he had acquired Prizeo, a leading charitable 'experiences' platform. This most recent acquisition of Charitybuzz strengthens the charity network's already impressive roster of exclusive content, experiences, celebrities, and charities, all to raise awareness and funds for hundreds of nonprofit organizations across the globe. The three organizations will work together to offer brands, nonprofits, celebrities, and consumers an unparalleled menu of original content, fundraising experiences, events and charitable auctions.

"What we've learned from the success of Charitybuzz over the past decade is that there is a mutual desire from celebrities, brands and consumers to expand their commitment to social responsibility and the more opportunities we can provide, the more funds we can raise," explained Holzman, CEO of Charitybuzz. "Todd Wagner's career has proven him to be a force in philanthropic generosity and in creating innovative platforms that resonate with consumers. It's an ideal partnership and we couldn't be more excited about the possibilities we can create by working together." Wagner helped pioneer the streaming media landscape in the late 90s as CEO of Broadcast.com before focusing his attention on an array of entertainment companies that he owns with his business partner Mark Cuban, which include 2929 Productions, Magnolia Pictures, and Landmark Theatres. Now, his focus on building out Charitybuzz, Chideo and Prizeo has allowed him to consider how charities and celebrities can leverage this same basic technology and media to bring heightened awareness and support to causes across the world.

ABOUT CHIDEO

Chideo (chideo.com) is the first and only charity broadcast network connecting celebrities with their fans in the spirit of driving awareness and raising money for important causes around the world. Chideo serves as a multi-platform network offering users exclusive video content, as well as the opportunity to meet and interact with some of their favorite personalities from the worlds of entertainment, sports, music, fashion, food, design and culture. Chideo also offers a dedicated platform to distribute original cause-focused content via TV, web and mobile app.

The network is currently home to more than 110 ambassadors including President Bill Clinton, Patricia Arquette, Bradley Cooper, Morgan Freeman, LL Cool J, Chris Paul, Debby Ryan and many more, along with 100+ of the world's leading non-profits such as the American Heart Association, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Easter Seals, and Feeding America. Entrepreneur and philanthropist Todd Wagner founded Chideo in 2014.

For up-to-the-minute news and announcements from Chideo personalities, please follow Chideo on Facebook at facebook.com/chideodotcom or on Twitter @chideo.

ABOUT CHARITYBUZZ

Charitybuzz raises funds for non-profits around the globe through online auctions with the world's most recognizable celebrities and brands. Featuring access to acclaimed actors and musicians, business and political leaders, sports stars, luxury travel, couture fashion, rare memorabilia and more, Charitybuzz brings its online community of bidders exclusive opportunities to live their dreams and make a difference. Since launching, Charitybuzz has raised more than $150 million for charity. Its roster of celebrity supporters includes President Clinton, Sir Paul McCartney, Tim Cook, Mick Jagger, Warren Buffet, Robert Downey Jr., Taylor Swift, Ralph Lauren, Mayor Mike Bloomberg, Barbra Streisand, Howard Stern, Chevy Chase, Billy Joel, HBO, Victoria's Secret, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, John Varvatos, David Yurman, Bruce Springsteen, Hugh Jackman, and Beyonce.

To learn more, visit www.charitybuzz.com, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/charitybuzz or follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @charitybuzz.

ABOUT PRIZEO

Celebrity digital fundraising platform Prizeo was launched at the end of 2012 and is dedicated to the principle that influential personalities can maximize both the funds and awareness they raise for charity on an inclusive platform that gives their fans the chance to win unique experiences while contributing to meaningful causes.

Prizeo campaigns featuring celebrities including One Direction, Mark Ruffalo, Will Ferrell, U2, Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney, Samuel L. Jackson, George R.R. Martin, Ed Sheeran, Mariah Carey, Zac Efron, Tyler Oakley and Kobe Bryant have shown the immense power of social media to raise funds and awareness for charitable causes. A 2013 campaign featuring One Direction's Harry Styles and Liam Payne raised nearly $800,000 for cancer research and prevention programs.

For more, visit www.prizeo.com, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/PrizeoUK or follow us on Twitter at @prizeo.

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