Online retailer donates $300,000 in merchandise to benefit Desert AIDS Project
Hayneedle taps its significant inventory to support California-based non-profit

Omaha, Neb. (February 16, 2010) - Hayneedle, an online retailer specializing in product variety for home, work and play, recently donated $300,000 in product to the 16th annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards silent auction. Funds raised from the silent auction will benefit the Desert AIDS Project (DAP) which provides medical care and comprehensive services to people living with HIV/AIDS.

“Hayneedle is excited to support such a worthy cause,” said Ash El Difrawi, Hayneedle’s chief marketing officer, “At a time when individuals and businesses have cut back on contributions to non-profits, we hope our donation will raise valuable funds for the Desert AIDS Project.”

In addition to having items at the silent auction, part of Hayneedle’s donation will be distributed to DAP’s consignment shops, Revivals. Unlike brick and mortar retail stores that are limited by shelf space, Hayneedle is only bound by its commitment to offering distinctive products for home, work and play that delight shoppers. Products in the auction will range from patio furniture to fire pits, and hammocks to swing sets.

The 16th annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards will be held on Saturday, February 27 at the Palm Springs Convention Center, the silent auction will begin at 5:30 p.m. and awards at 7:00 p.m.

DAP meets the evolving medical and social service needs of people living with HIV/AIDS by providing direct services and advocacy, while working to prevent new infections through education and outreach.

Hayneedle, the leading online retailer in product variety, was originally established in 2002 as NetShops, Inc. with just three employees. NetShops,Inc. has been recognized by Internet Retailer and Inc. magazine as one of online retail’s fastest growing companies. In 2009, it changed its name to Hayneedle, recognizing an opportunity to develop multiple niche ecommerce stores. The privately held company is based in Omaha, Neb., and funded by Insight Venture Partners and Sequoia Capital. For more information, visit www.hayneedleinc.com.