NEW YORK, Nov. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Gilt, along with a consortium of other leading companies, today announced the launch of the Donate Today, Save Tomorrow initiative. The effort will support economic recovery and aid residents and businesses impacted by Hurricane Sandy. 

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111108/NY02288LOGO )

Gilt.com/give is the noncommercial site developed by Gilt for individuals to donate funds to the hurricane relief effort. In return for $25, $50 or $75 contributions, donors will receive a voucher for a discount of up to 50% off, or other offerings provided by participating merchants.

Currently there are over 70 participating merchants from eight states, with more merchants signing up each day. Vendors across the country from New York to Chicago to San Francisco have joined the effort, including Tribeca Grill, Delmonico's, Setai Spa Wall Street, Clifton Charles, Bindle & Keep, Fatty Cue and Orla Kiely.  Heavily impacted merchants unable to offer a discount will be highlighted in the directory so that Donate Today, Save Tomorrow can help aid them in their recovery process by encouraging donors to patronize their businesses.  Marketing partners for this initiative include NYC & Company, AOL, Tumblr, Virgin America, Klout, Kelsi Dagger and Pour La Victoire.

100% of proceeds from donations will go directly to one of six relief organizations aiding communities impacted by the storm. The organizations are the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City, Robin Hood Foundation, City Harvest, Habitat for Humanity, Food Bank NYC, and the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund. 

gilt.com/give provides a developer-friendly API, gilt.com/give/api, which allows interested developers to participate in this initiative in unique and creative ways.  Twitter followers can tweet the hash tag #DTST to raise awareness about the effort. 

"The impact of Hurricane Sandy to families and local businesses has been catastrophic. As a company founded and headquartered in New York City we are proud to help develop a program that can contribute to revitalizing the communities impacted by the storm," said Kevin Ryan, CEO and Founder, Gilt.

About Gilt

Gilt, www.gilt.com, is an innovative online shopping destination offering its members special access to the most inspiring merchandise, culinary offerings, and experiences every day, many at insider prices. Gilt continually searches the world for the most coveted brands and products, including fashion for women, men, and children; home decor; artisanal ingredients; hotels and travel experiences on every continent; and unique activities in a growing list of cities and destinations. We believe that every day is an opportunity to inspire and be inspired.

SOURCE Gilt.com