47 Children to Smile Wider in 2012 Thanks to AnniesBid.com and Operation Smile

Online, January 12, 2012 (Newswire.com) - AnniesBid.com and Operation Smile have a lot to smile about in the new year. Since its July, 2011 launch AnniesBid has spread hundreds of smiles among the faces of its bidders who have won brand name consumer electronics, luxury, home goods and gift cards at as much as 90% off. The proceeds from these bargains will also spread "smiles" among children and adults born with facial deformities such as cleft lips and cleft palates with the majority of profits set aside for Operation Smile.

AnniesBid.com is a new charity auction website dedicated to raising money for causes selected by its bidder community. In 2011, it surpassed its goal of raising $10,000 for Operation Smile, an international children's medical charity committed to providing free surgery and medical treatment for children around the world who suffer from clefts, which can be repaired in as little as 45 minutes, giving these children new smiles and hope for the future. AnniesBid's fundraising will alleviate the suffering of 47 children without other access to such care.

AnniesBid.com has boldly committed in its mission statement to donating a majority of its profits to charity by contributing a portion of the final, gross purchase price of each item on the site to the featured charity, even where such a commitment has led to a loss on its auctions. The site did so by committing $1 per sign-up to its innovative Facebook fundraising app (http://www.facebook.com/Anniesbid) attracting over 3,000 users within a month. It parlayed this momentum into a successful launch that attracted hundreds of bidders, allowing it to meet its $10,000 goal ahead of schedule.

"Without the generosity of our supporters like AnniesBid.com, it would be impossible for us to provide free surgery - and smiles - for children worldwide," said Dr. Bill Magee, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of Operation Smile. "When you see a child look in the mirror for the first time after surgery, and then their parents' tears of joy, you truly understand what a difference has been made in that child's life, their family and the entire community."

Those interested can still contribute to Operation Smile at AnniesBid through 2012 since select auctions will continue to raise funds for Operation Smile ensuring that the number of smiles in the world continue to grow through this charity and the contributions generated by AnniesBid.com bidders.