Charity Waits in iPhone Line to Raise Money

Keep a Child Alive, a New York nonprofit group, is the first in line at New York’s SoHo Apple store to buy the anxiously awaited iPhone as part of a fund-raising auction — and so has garnered support from Virgin Atlantic, Six Flags, Netflix, and other sponsors, reports IDG News Service.

The group has been able to leverage its position as first in line — officials began waiting early Tuesday morning this week — to attract publicity and donations. The charity, which treats children with AIDS in Africa, plans to sell the iPhone on eBay, along with the other items donated by corporate sponsors who have heard of the group’s story.

The organization says it hopes to bring attention to its cause. “It’s more about using the media frenzy around the iPhone to communicate things that are a little more important,” said Mia Riddle, a staff member for the charity.