eBay has announced the launch of eBay.com/celebrity, a web site section that combines celebrity experiences, memorabilia and merchandise with philanthropic causes. As part of eBay’s charitable platform eBay Giving Works, eBay Celebrity aggregates relevant celebrity content, charity auctions, and a wide selection of related products.

Photo: Brad Pitt on eBay Celebrity, a snapshot from celebrity.ebay.com

eBay has been the platform that celebrities used looking to raise funds for charity for a long time. In 2011, the eBay auction featuring limited edition Nike Mag sneakers raised millions of dollars for The Michael J. Fox Foundation and an annual lunch with Warren Buffet auction sold for a record $2.63 million. This year eBay Giving Works has raised $51 million and over $278 million for various charitable organizations.

eBay Celebrity is a step moving the eBay’s philanthropic efforts to the next level, connecting consumers with their favorite celebrities through charity and commerce. eBay Celebrity will offer exclusive charity auction items for consumers to get up close and personal with their favorite celebrities through the purchase of one-of-a-kind merchandise, concert tickets, and meet and greet opportunities.

Consumers can also shop and donate in several ways including selling or shopping to support a cause, making a donation at checkout, donating directly through PayPal, and using the ‘shop like a star’ feature which provides an inside look at featured celebrities’ favorite items.

For now, eBay Celebrity participants include: Christina Aguilera, Jeff Bridges, Michael Cooper, Robert Duvall, Jimmie Johnson, Wladimir Klitschko, Sienna Miller, Hayden Panettiere, Katy Perry, Brad Pitt, Troy Polamalu, Tarina Tarantino, and Joe Walsh.

The first round of charity auction items available on eBay Celebrity includes a chance to attend Brad Pitt’s ‘A Night to Make It Right’ gala at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans on March 10. Fans can bid on tickets to the event along with a personal meet and greet with the actor.