LuxGive Partner Spotlight: Ellen Toscano, The Singing Auctioneer
We spoke with Paybee's #1 Benefit Auctioneer in the Nation about fundraising, philanthropy, and how she's using her musical talents to change lives.
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Volunteer Days
There is no greater joy than serving others and making their lives just a little bit brighter. A simple act of kindness leaves a lasting impact that extends beyond one's lifetime.
At LuxGive, giving back means rolling up our sleeves and stepping into our communities to create meaningful change.
This year, our team more than doubled our volunteer efforts, dedicating 27 Volunteer Days to a variety of inspirational causes, from food security to literacy and community care.
Here are just some of the ways our team made a difference this year.
Bringing Hope and Hugs to Children
Jenna Hewat - Concierge
When Jenna isn't delivering unforgettable guest stays, she's helping Meagan Bebenek Foundation bring hope to families across Toronto. This year, she helped organize Meagan’s HUG, a 5k walk supporting children with paediatric brain tumors that culminates in a giant human hug around SickKids!
Empowering Literacy and Learning
Ben Meakins - Head of Experiences
Ben's passion for creating life-changing experiences extends to his weekly volunteer work with Reclaim Literacy. Through one-on-one tutoring, he empowers adults with essential reading and writing skills, opening doors to new opportunities and building confidence that will last a lifetime.
Caring for Our Communities
LuxGive Montreal + Toronto Teams
This summer, our Canadian crew gathered together to help make a difference at home, assembling and distributing dozens of care packages with critical essentials to individuals in the unhoused community.
Photo credit: LuxGiveFighting Food Insecurity, One Meal at a Time
LuxGive Atlanta Team
Our Atlanta team rolled up their sleeves to volunteer at the Atlanta Community Food Bank, a member of Feeding America. Together, they sorted and bagged over 11,00 pounds of food, enough to provide 9,800 meals for families, seniors, and communities in need.
Photo credit: LuxGiveMichael Helffrich - Fundraising Consultant
In addition to helping nonprofits shatter their fundraising goals, Michael spent his time giving back to the community at Nourishing Hope. Week after week, he volunteered to prepare and distribute meals, ensuring families facing food insecurity had somewhere to turn to during challenging times.
Dave Maharaj - Business Development Representative
A champion for nonprofits, Dave also joined the fight against hunger with Feed the Need Durham. He spent the day sorting and boxing donated food items to distribute to homeless shelters and families in need, providing nutritious meals and much-needed care to thousands of people across Toronto.
Photo credit: LuxGiveEducating the Next Generation
April Acker - VP of Guest Services
April spent her volunteer hours empowering kindergarteners with hands-on learning! This supermom guided over 100 young learners through Lucky Ladd Farms, where they brushed sheep, fed animals, and learned about the life cycle of seasonal fruits.
Photo credit: LuxGiveSupporting NICU Miracles
“Seeing and feeling all of the support in the room was quite emotional. It's a mission that's near and dear to my heart."
Elizabeth Philippe- Head of Fundraising
Elizabeth came across ICU Baby through our Gift of Giving program and immediately felt a connection to the cause. In a wonderful full-circle moment, she used her volunteer hours to lend a hand at their Celebration of Miracles Gala and looks forward to getting more involved in the mission.
Spreading Joy Through Music
Andrea Di Candilo - Reservations Specialist
Andrea took the stage to support her local music community as an Artist Island Liaison at the Calgary Folk Music Festival. With her planning and communication expertise, she worked behind the scenes with performers to ensure a seamless festival experience.
Holiday Cheer for Seniors
Andrea also gathered friends together to create handmade holiday cards for seniors through Sending Sunshine, spreading her signature warmth and kindness to those who need it most during the holidays.
Photo credit: LuxGiveGift of Giving Program
I'm very grateful to work for an organization like LuxGive that recognizes the importance of giving back, and uses occasions like birthdays as an opportunity to make a positive impact on those in desperate need.
We believe giving back is deeply personal, which is why our Gift of Giving program empowers team members to support the causes closest to their hearts.
Each time one of our team celebrates a birthday, we donate to a charity of their choice, turning this special day into a meaningful moment of impact.
This year, our team championed over 25 different causes, reflecting the diversity of our passions and values.
Advocating for Mental Health
Nic Tucker - Reservations Specialist
This year, Nic turned his Gift of Giving Spotlight on Mind, a UK nonprofit providing mental health and support services to those in need and promoting awareness around this often overlooked issue.
For Nic, giving back matters because it reminds us we’re all part of something bigger.
"It’s not about grand gestures, but about recognising the gaps in our world and doing what we can to make things right," he shares. " Mind provides vital support to those most vulnerable, and I’m committed to backing their mission to raise awareness and improve well-being."
Funding Critical Humanitarian Aid
Lucy Polley - Experience Supply Manager
This year, Lucy turned her Gift of Giving Spotlight on Doctors Without Borders (MSF), an international nonprofit providing emergency medical care to those in crisis.
Moved by Dr. David Nott’s powerful interview on providing surgical care in conflict zones, Lucy felt deeply connected to MSF’s mission of delivering unbiased humanitarian aid to those facing unimaginable emergencies.
“In an increasingly digital world, it’s important to remember the sanctity of human connection and humanity,” Lucy reflects. “I'm very grateful to work for an organization like LuxGive that recognizes the importance of giving back, and uses occasions like birthdays as an opportunity to make a positive impact on those in desperate need."
Photo credit: Adobe ImagesFAQs
What is the LuxGive Philanthropy Program?
Established in 2022, the LuxGive Philanthropy Program reflects our commitment to making a meaningful impact beyond our core fundraising model.
Through paid volunteer days, Gift of Giving birthday donations, matching gift campaigns, and other corporate giving initiatives, the program empowers our team to give back and create lasting change in the communities we serve.
How is LuxGive's Philanthropy Program different from its fundraising model?
LuxGive’s fundraising model harnesses the power of luxury travel consignment to help nonprofits raise funds risk-free at their benefit auctions. To date, we've helped organizations raise over $25 million for charity.
Our Philanthropy Program extends our mission beyond fundraising events. Designed to reflect our core values, this initiative empowers our team members to give back directly to their communities through volunteer days, donations, and corporate giving efforts.
How are organizations chosen for the Philanthropy Program?
The organizations we support through our Philanthropy Program are chosen by our team members, reflecting a diverse range of missions that are close to their hearts.
In addition, LuxGive extends its impact by donating to local organizations in many of the travel destinations we offer and providing support for international humanitarian efforts during global emergencies.
Can LuxGive help my organization?
We would love to help your nonprofit raise funds! Get a free consultation to learn how our luxury consignment program can triple your fundraising impact.
Helping You Raise More
As we turn our sights towards 2025, we remain committed to deepening our impact—both through our Philanthropy Program and the life-changing work we do with nonprofits every day.
Our mission has always been to empower organizations to raise more for their causes, and it’s a privilege to extend that mission into the communities we call home.
Whether it’s volunteering in our neighborhoods or providing exceptional travel experiences for fundraising events, we believe in weaving generosity into every journey.
Ready to partner with a company that shares your commitment to making a difference?
Get a free consultation today and turn your next event into a success story.
At LuxGive, we believe in the transformative power of travel. Our mission is to help nonprofits raise more funds at auction through once-in-a-lifetime home and villa experiences.
Our travel experiences feature Premium Guest Services for trip planning and access to an exceptional portfolio of over 1,500 stunning private properties across the world.
Whether it’s a luxury Caribbean villa, an enchanting Tuscan apartment, or an alpine lodge steps from the powder, we have something for all your clients' needs.
