“I wanted to create an easy way for people to give to causes they care about—and to know that every bit helps,” said Lynn Siegel, 47, founder of a new website that links electronic invitations with charities.

Charity Panda, which officially launched in November, is a service that Siegel created to provide party-givers an opportunity to plan a celebration while inspiring their guests to donate. The Katonah resident and mother of three said she's loved hosting big parties for her kids over the years, but has long felt there could be a way to give these milestone events an even bigger meaning. 

“We found that our kids—though they love to get presents like anyone else—felt more gratified and excited when they asked their friends to help raise money for a cause instead of opening more Legos or dolls,” she explained. 

The site offers a step-by-step menu where users first choose an invitation followed by a prompt to select a preferred charity; it then e-mails the invitation to a guest list. Invitees can RSVP with a tax-deductible donation, if they choose, and the process is completed with event reminders and thank-you notes. Donations can remain private if desired and the invitees are eventually notified of the total funds raised by the event. 

Siegel, the former owner of a Wall Street executive search firm, noted that Charity Panda is also a way to “virtually fundraise” by inviting those who may not actually attend the event—a birthday party, dinner party, holiday gathering or a memorial—by simply requesting a donation in honor of the person or the cause.

And the name of the site, she says, is not related to a charity for pandas but rather was chosen for the animal’s symbolic quality of peace, happiness and warmth.

Friends of Karen signed on as one of the first participant charities.

"The new site is an innovative way to introduce children early on about the joy and value of giving to others," said Judith Factor, executive director of the 33-year-old nonprofit, which supports families and children with life-threatening illnesses.

“Every dollar matters and it is especially meaningful when donations come from children to help critically ill children, as is the case with Friends of Karen," she said.

The bubbly Siegel says realizing her idea of matching charities who are looking for donations with those who would be spending on a gift anyway has been a labor of love.  

“As a group, these donations can have such an impact,” she said. “Giving is always better than receiving and that is the inspiration behind Charity Panda.”