ATLANTA — AutoTrader.com shared the results of a recent fundraising campaign for one of its philanthropic partners, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The campaign tied to listings posted by private sellers generated $40,405, and AutoTrader.com indicated that 100 percent of that amount went to St. Jude.

Site executives explained that between Nov. 16 and Dec. 31 individuals who purchased an ad to sell a vehicle had the opportunity to donate $5 to St. Jude. In return, AutoTrader.com allowed six extra vehicle photos to run with the ad at no extra charge. Executives pointed out that individuals who did not want to make a donation still had the opportunity to place a listing without the additional photos.

However, more than 8,000 ad purchasers chose to make the donation to St. Jude, one of the world's premier centers for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases.

Visitors to AutoTrader.com can still make a donation to St. Jude. Executives noted that their site still provides several links to make a contribution.

"All of us really believe strongly in the mission of St. Jude and wanted to take our involvement and support of this terrific organization to the next level," explained Melanie Kovach, AutoTrader.com's senior director and general manager of private seller advertising.

"A little really does go a long way. Each dollar donated helps in St. Jude's fight to find cures for cancer and other deadly childhood diseases so that children in communities everywhere will have a second chance at life," Kovach continued.

"Coupled with what AutoTrader.com donates as a company, we are making a difference for the patients and families counting on St. Jude," she went on to say.

The recent campaign connected with private seller listings comes on the heels of several other initiatives orchestrated by AutoTrader.com to benefit St. Jude. Executives highlighted several since 2002:

—AutoTrader.com has hosted more than 200 golf tournaments throughout the country to benefit St. Jude. These tournaments have raised more than $1 million.

—Company employees volunteer about 4,000 hours per year on St. Jude fundraising projects, including staging and hosting charity golf tournaments, working directly with the hospital in Memphis, Tenn., and participating in the St. Jude Give Thanks Walk.

—St. Jude has been a charity of choice for the AutoTrader.com employee giving campaign for the past four years.

—In 2009, for each dealer survey an AutoTrader.com dealer customer completed, AutoTrader.com donated $1 to St. Jude. This program generated approximately $4,000.

"We are thrilled that AutoTrader.com expanded their partnership to support St. Jude in this way," noted Kristine Templin, senior director of corporate partnerships at ALSAC, the fundraising organization of St. Jude.

"Their dedication makes a difference in the lives of so many children and their families and will enable us to carry on our mission that no child should die in the dawn of life," Templin concluded.