Karma App Nears Palisades Launch

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

As the Karma app gears up for its Palisades-exclusive test launch on July 4, 13 local nonprofits have signed on to become recipients of charitable funds from locals.

The app, underwritten by businessman Prince Alexander von Fürstenberg, was designed by start-up entrepreneur David Semerad of STRV Labs and allows users to donate to causes of their choice.

In fact, Arnie Wishnick, of the Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce, made the first donation on Monday, June 25: $100 to griefHaven, a Palisades-based nonprofit dedicated to providing support and education to those who are grieving.

The first 1,000 locals who download the app will be given $10 to donate to a good cause of their choice, which so far includes entities like Star Paws Rescue, The Dillon Henry Foundation and Palisades PRIDE.

In addition to the initial $10 incentive, Karma will match the first $10 donation users make. The app is designed to encourage people to donate and then measuring their good works and registering them publicly on a social feed with “karma points.”

SRTV Director of Client Strategy Holly McKay shared that the team has expanded, welcoming on Caitlin Bevan and Mike White.

“I’m a Mike-of-all-trades,” White joked with the Palisadian-Post. He explained that his work with Karma covers a variety of tasks, including working with photos and on content for social media.

Those who want to meet the people of Karma—including von Fürstenberg, who will be in town for the festivities—may do so throughout Palisades’ Fourth of July events. The team will have a tent at the 41st Annual Palisades Will Rogers 5 and 10K run, as well as a booth at Palisades Rocks the Fourth.

The team, which has enlisted the help of 25 people, will run a photobooth and have shirts, hats and bracelets. They will also mingle with the crowd during the parade.

Karma is still on track for its Aug. 8, 2018, nationwide launch. Between now and the launch, McKay shared that they “haven’t been sleeping” because they’re working hard to sign on more schools and churches.

Follow Karma app’s latest on social media @The_KarmaApp, or with #GoodKarmaGoodVibes and #KindnessIsTheNewCurrency. For more information or to pre-register, visit KarmaApp.org.