In an eBay-style auction, the Missouri Slope Areawide United Way completed its first online format auction over the Memorial Day weekend.

The difference is that instead of the money going to faceless sellers, the money from these bids will go to charities.

The auction lasted 12 days. In that time, more than 250 bidders donated $6,412 on 110 items.

Tom Regan, executive director of the local United Way, said the new method of fundraising was successful.

"This is right up there with our major fundraising events," he said.

The highest bid was $325 for a 52-week program through L.A. Weight Loss Center. Some of the other items bid on were savings bonds, golf passes, restaurants, automotive and yard services.

The online donor program was originally used by MDU Resources Inc. for its United Way fund auctions in-house, said Stan Moss, supervisor for Web development at MDU. After five years of success with the format, United Way approached MDU about implementing the program citywide.

The broader online version was so successful, efficient and low-work intensive that Regan said they want to continue to use the medium.

"The bottom line is we'd like to do it again," said Regan. "We'd like to make this an annual event."

Moss said he doesn't see why MDU wouldn't help out again.

The new online format not only was successful in raising funds now, it also helped to reach new donors, expanding United Way's donor base.

The money from the auction will be incorporated into the United Way's 2008 donation campaign, which doesn't officially start until August.

United Way aims to raise $1,350,000 for the 2008 campaign. In the end, the funds will be allocated to member agencies which support 40 human service, nonprofit charities that help the community.