Nov 30, 2007 1:45 PM PST    Text size: 

A division of Palo Alto-based Various Inc., FriendFinder operates several adult-oriented social networking sites including AdultFriendFinder.com, ALT.com, OutPersonals.com, Bondage.com and various FriendFinder.com sites.

While the social networking giant has been criticized by various religious and right-wing moral watchdog groups, FriendFinder founder Andrew Conru said he is making the donation to show that adult industry members are supportive of community resources and charities.

"These contributions are being made to demonstrate that people who are interested in social networking are also very socially conscious,” Conru told XBIZ.

“As the founder of the world's leading group of social networking sites I want to give back to the community in a meaningful way. The charities that our members are identifying are all outstanding organizations that serve people in need and I am more than pleased to donate to them," he said.

Members of AdultFriendFinder.com have been invited to nominate charities to receive a donation and can discuss the merits and issues of each charity on the site’s members blog.

Charities that have already been earmarked to receive donations include the American Red Cross, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, American Cancer Society and the Make a Wish Foundation.

Each charity will receive $20,000 to $40,000.

“Social networking is all about giving the power to the people. In this case, we value our members’ suggestions on ways to contribute to those in need. We hope that blogging about these donations will inspire our members to do their own holiday giving and that everyone will learn more about the many deserving charities that need their support," Conru said.

AdultFriendFinder.com has more than 19 million members worldwide. Basic membership is free, and non-members can sign up to cast votes for their favorite charities. Voting will remain open until Dec. 15.