Macerich malls from around the country gathered almost 900 items for an auction that began in February and will conclude on March 18th. "eBids from the Heart" is being hosted by MissionFish, the company that turns donated goods into cash for nonprofits.

Items donated by individuals and businesses for the event, include leather jackets, diamond rings, vacations, celebrity memorabilia, and even a 2001 Volkswagen Beetle. It is expected that the auction will raise thousands of dollars. According to Susan Valentine, senior vice president of marketing for the Macerich Company, 100% of the "eBids from the Heart" auction proceeds will go to the American Heart Association.

Sean Milliken, president and CEO of MissionFish said, "We're not only raising thousands of dollars for the fight against heart disease, we're also demonstrating the revenue potential that in-kind donations hold for nonprofits." Organizations that join MissionFish can turn in-kind gifts into cash support for their organization. Bidding and giving on the website is free with nonprofits receiving 100 percent of the final bid price.

In-kind donations represent a growing source of funds for many nonprofits as more organi