Celebs Give Back Their Goody Bags

When a celebrity appears at a promotional event or an awards show, they don't just get transportation, gourmet food and an open bar.

They get free stuff.

Depending on the size of the event, celebs can walk away with anything from a fancy little shopping bag filled with cosmetics and promo t-shirts to huge gift baskets featuring fine jewelry, spa vacations, and expensive electronics.

Now they're giving some of that swag away for a good cause.

Several celebrities and organizations have donated dozens of goodies to the Gift Bags For Good online auction, which lasts through May 30, 2008.

"I go to many events and love getting gift bags, but I love the opportunity to give back," "Rescue Me" star Sherri Saum told The ShowBuzz at the auction's kick-off event in New York last week.

Among the gift bags up for auction are a 2007 Grammy gift bag from Distinctive Assets, a Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards gift bag autographed by "iCarly" star Jennette McCurdy, and an Us Weekly Hot Hollywood party gift bag.

Proceeds from the auction go to the Clothes Off Our Back foundation and Water Partners International.

"We love being spoiled, but at the same time it's good to give back," said Katrina Bowden from NBC's "30 Rock" who was at the kick-off along with castmate Lonny Ross.

In addition to gift bags, celebrities and designers donated a selection of handbags for the auction. Singer Fergie donated an autographed black and white bowling style handbag by Kipling and bags from designers Carlos Falchi, Coach and Radley are also available.

Saum and Bowden both said they love designer handbags, while Ross revealed a hidden desire for a purse of his own.

"I wish society would allow men to carry around bags," he said, in mock indignation. "I'm secure enough in my masculinity to pull it off."

"Don't worry, I'll get you a Louis Vuitton 'man purse,'" said Bowden.

The Clothes Off Our Back foundation hosts charity auctions showcasing celebrity attire. Items are put up for bid to the public with proceeds going to benefit children's charities. Water Partners International is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization committed exclusively to providing safe drinking water and sanitation to people in developing countries.

By Judy Rosen