eLance launches charity service

eLance, a Web site where freelancers sell their services, has launched eLance Charity. The program lets freelancers offer their services in exchange for charitable contributions to various causes and nonprofit organizations. The new service will also coordinate the volunteer freelance services and nonprofits seeking them. The service got a boost from eLance's new chairman, Ray Lane--former president of Oracle--who is offering a coaching session for CEOs. Another high-profile donor is former Amazon.com executive Ram Shiriram, who is offering a business-plan review.