Everything You Need to Know About Charitybuzz and the Inspiration4 SpaceX Launch
September 15th marks a monumental day in history as the Inspiration4 crew embarks on the first ever all-civilian mission to orbit aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
The SpaceX mission is highly anticipated, and Charitybuzz is thrilled to have been a part of it, helping to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
Within the Charity Network, our collective campaigns consisting of both exclusive auctions and best in-class sweepstakes helped to raise more than 11 million dollars for pediatric cancer research, supporting both St. Jude patients and their families.
Such a cause is extremely meaningful to accomplished pilot and successful entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, who will be flying the spacecraft.
“If you’re going to accomplish all those great things out in space, all that progress, then you have an obligation to do some considerable good here on Earth, like making sure you conquer childhood cancer along the way,” Isaacman said to the New York Times.
That giving mentality is what made this such a perfect partnership for Charitybuzz.
“The Inspiration4 campaign represents unwavering hope and innovation toward an incredible future,” said Charity Network president Ben Erwin. “We’ve brought sweepstakes and auction winners the chance to live their dreams and unlocked vital new funding for children at St. Jude’s.”
A few of our generous customers will be heading to the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida to witness the historic event while others will either have their photo sent into space or have their name on a flag aboard the momentous flight.
Rhet Topham is one of our philanthropic winners who will have his name on a flag and was motivated to bid on the item when reflecting on his own childhood dreams involving space travel.
“As a child growing up during the 1960s, NASA’s Apollo missions taught me to look up to the stars at night and take note of Space’s vast potential,” said Topham. “I dreamt about voyaging to the moon, right alongside [Neil] Armstrong, [Buzz] Aldrin, and [Michael] Collins. Truly, it seemed impossible, but I knew that one day, we would all share the experience.”
Fast-forward to 2021, and Topham’s vision seems quite prescient.
“Inspiration4 is a milestone for everyone on Earth. The crew is paving the way for us to follow where the most astonishing adventures await. The mission allows me a chance to participate symbolically in a moment forever.”
While Topham was excited on a personal level to have won the auction, his true joy came from knowing his money went to an incredible cause in St. Jude.
“More importantly, the event allows me the opportunity, through Charitybuzz, to help St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Inspiration 4 exists to bring attention to the kids. Without our healthy, creative, and talented future generations pioneering together, the potential that space offers is diminished.
There may be future astronauts amongst these kids who will most certainly have greater opportunities than I, and that concept is inspiring.”
Charitybuzz customer Donnie C. won the auction to send his photo into space with the Inspiration4 crew and found similar inspiration in terms of supporting future generations.
“One day my little buddy Payce will walk on the moon. My hope is to INSPIRE him and everyone else to look up, dream big, and imagine what they can accomplish with their own moonshots.”
The fundraising efforts do not stop with Wednesday’s launch either.
While the mission is only days away, Charitybuzz is thrilled to also have a new collection of Inspiration4 auctions available for bidding including:
- A jacket signed by crew member Sian Proctor
- A hat autographed by actor William Shatner
- A TIME Magazine cover signed by each crew member
- An autographed Back To Earth book signed by retired astronaut Nicole Stott
These four great items all support St. Jude and are open for bidding on Charitybuzz.com through Thursday, September 23rd.
Charitybuzz is the world’s leading impact marketplace for once-in-a-lifetime experiences, exclusive items, and unmatched access. Through its premier auction platform, upscale shopping experience, and concierge business, Charitybuzz has raised $500 million for cause to date. To learn more about us and be a part of our growing community, click here.
