LOS ANGELES (Geffen Records) - Ashlee Simpson and TEEN PEOPLE today announced initiatives to benefit UNICEF's relief and recovery efforts for the young victims of the tsunami disaster. Ashlee Simpson reached out to her friends to collect unique items to be auctioned on eBay Feb. 7 until Feb. 14. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.

Simultaneously, TEEN PEOPLE has created the 'TEEN PEOPLE Compassion Bracelet to Benefit UNICEF' to expand the reach of the fundraising effort, an idea developed by TEEN PEOPLE Trendspotter Marketing Manager Jennifer Serlin who was in Phuket, Thailand when the tsunami hit. The rubber bracelets – in UNICEF's signature cyan blue color and reading 'Compassion ~ Humanity ~ Relief' – are being designed and created by TEEN PEOPLE and will be sold via TEEN PEOPLE's Web site, with proceeds going to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. In addition to money provided by TEEN PEOPLE, a significant portion of the funding for production and distribution of the bracelets has been generously provided by a Boston donor.

Information on both initiatives is available at www.teenpeople.com/unicef. The auction and bracelet will each 'go live' Friday, February 4, 2005.

'The tsunami and its aftermath have affected everyone, and I couldn't imagine sitting silent and not doing anything to help. I approached TEEN PEOPLE to partner with me to raise money to help everyone affected by this disaster. Please go online to check out the auction or purchase the bracelet and know that your voice can make a huge difference,' said Ashlee Simpson.

'Ashlee was moved when she heard about Jen Serlin's experience,' said TEEN PEOPLE Music Editor Zena Burns. 'Ashlee had been working with us for the March issue and offered to pool her resources for a benefit auction if we could help set it up. She has delivered beyond our expectations.'