Atlanta Firm Launches Vacation Rentals Business to Fund Charities; Plans to Raise Several Million Dollars Annually for Worthy Causes

Atlanta, GA, March 11, 2010 --(PR.com)-- As a direct result of the economic downturn, charitable organizations and other non-profits are searching for creative ways to offset declining donations. Public budget cuts are making it harder for school systems to function smoothly. Charity Helpers, LLC recently launched Geronimo.com to convert an underutilized asset in vacation rental homes into cash for non-profits. Geronimo.com is "Where Giving is Going!"

“Many of us find ourselves looking for ways to put unused weeks of our vacation homes to work helping others," said Mike Last, Founder of Charity Helpers. "Geronimo.com provides a way for all of us to make a difference with an underutilized asset. We're delighted at the initial response we're getting from vacation home owners and from the non-profits."

The benefactors include schools, churches, medical research facilities and other causes. To make a difference with our nation's public elementary schools, significant budget shortages will need to be back-filled. The looming budget cuts will likely weaken the nation's public schools, worsen unemployment, and potentially widen the achievement gap between students in rich and poor districts. Geronimo.com hopes to help PTA organizations augment fundraising.

Last, who built and sold an online golf tee time company prior to starting Charity Helpers, LLC in late 2009, believes that unused vacation rental weeks represent a potential gold mine for non-profits. He adds, “This is a natural use of the internet. Owners and vacationers come together to help their favorite causes. A generous vacation home owner can make a big difference.” Last is personally onboard with the program. In fact, he plans to help several non-profits in 2010 by donating all of the 2010 rental income from his vacation home in Florida.

Vacation rental bookings declined by 8.1% in 2009. That translates to many more unused vacation rental weeks (and potential donations to non-profits) everywhere from beach houses in the Florida panhandle to ski chalets in Aspen. Online vacation rentals are growing rapidly, yet still only represents a fraction of the $100 billion industry. Geronimo.com plans to convert some of the unused weeks into direct benefits for non-profits.

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