LOS ANGELES - The Anita Boden Foundation, a nonprofit organization run by adult-industry leaders, will collect items from Nov. 1-15 for its silent auction and through Dec. 10 for its Webmaster Toy Run.
Both events raise funds for children facing hardships such as illness, homelessness and being orphaned.
"The webmaster community has been very supportive of us over the years because we give 100 percent of their contributions to charity," foundation co-founder and SexEntertain President Mike M. told AVN Online. "We want to build this venture as big as possible and take it to the next level with mainstream attention and huge gala events."
The Anita Boden Foundation was created by Mike, Patrick B. and Jean-Marie K., director of affiliate marketing for Hustler. The board of directors includes adult-industry members such as Mansion Productions co-owner Oysten Wright and SexEntertain co-owner RJ. The organization was formed in September in honor of Boden's mother, Anita, who died of cancer.
The foundation's Webmaster Toy Run was created in 2003, when the group realized how much joy simple things like stuffed animals could bring children.
"We wanted to find a way to connect directly with abandoned, abused or terminally ill children and make their holiday a little less difficult," Mike said. "We contacted several state and privately run organizations and were able to drop off toys to the children face-to-face. It was one of the most rewarding experiences being able to bring a smile to a child that has been needlessly suffering."
When the Toy Run was created, Jean-Marie said, "we just asked a few of our webmaster friends to donate some toys ... [and] by the end of the week, we had over $5,000 in donations. This year, we figured we would step up the process and see if we can build on that webmaster generosity."
The foundation seeks donations of popular electronic items such as plasma TVs, iPhones and TomTom car-navigation systems for its silent auction. For the Webmaster Toy Run, the foundation is collecting blankets, books or cash, which will go toward scholarships for foster children.
"The Anita Boden Foundation Toy Run wants to thank everyone in advance for their donations, and as a small gesture of thanks, we have created a Wall of Fame with the names of the contributors on our website," Mike said. "Even if you are unable to donate to our listed organizations, we encourage everyone to spread a little joy to those that are less fortunate this holiday season and throughout the new year."
Visit the foundation's website for information about making donations.
