Many celebrities, including athletes and artists, have been sought for and utilized at charity fundraisers. They have signed autographs, endorsed various apparel, had their pictures taken, played golf or tennis with the sponsors or attendees, autographed auction items, and participated in a host of others.

Telecommunications has provided another medium for charity fundraising. But how can celebrities be involved; what types of events are more suitable for celebrity involvement; how does one go about getting celebrities involved; how does one deal with licensing agreements and the protocol required?

Celebrities have provided their names, likenesses, voice prompts, or even works of art to prepaid phonecards. This article will identify several innovative programs that have successfully utilized celebrities and sponsors. It will also list the important factors to consider when designing, developing, and implementing successful celebrity- and/or sponsor-involved prepaid phonecard programs.

INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS