In January, Ellen DeGeneres and Toyota combined efforts to raise money for tsunami victims by auctioning a new 2005 Prius. The American Red Cross and UNICEF tsunami relief funds received the $38,600 proceeds from the sale.

The generous buyer bid well over the sticker price, adding money to the cause. Celebrity guests on Ellen's show signed the car's sun visor, so the lucky bidder got a special "celebrity edition" Prius and the opportunity to be a special part of the relief effort.

In addition to the Prius donation, Toyota and its associates worldwide donated over $3 million to tsunami relief organizations.