Dear Members,

A press release has very recently hit the wires about Makena Technologies and the Humane Society of the United States. As we've told you in the past, even though we cannot always talk about our deals and collaborations in public, we will do our best to make sure you're among the first to know when we *can* talk about it.

This special collaboration partners us with the nation's largest animal protection organization, and we are excited to show our support for such a good cause. So, without further ado, here is the press release:


Makena Technologies and the Humane Society of the United States Collaborate to Promote Love for Animals in There.com

Merchandise and Live Events Debuting in the Virtual World;

Maya Foundation Matching Funds

SAN MATEO, Calif. (October 29, 2007) – In an effort to broaden the fight against animal cruelty, Makena Technologies, creator of the popular social virtual world There.com, today announced a collaboration with The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). The kick off on October 29 will include a live, in-world event sponsored by The HSUS, and a virtual storefront where There.com members can purchase virtual and real world HSUS merchandise. All proceeds from sales of the virtual merchandise will be donated to The HSUS by the Maya Foundation, a nonprofit organization centered on education and founded by CEO of Makena Technologies, Michael Wilson.

“We are always looking for new ways to celebrate animals and confront cruelty; and working with There.com to take animal protection into the virtual world reaches a new audience with a message of compassion,” said Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. “There.com’s community has already shown a desire to support the humane treatment of animals, and helping animals in the virtual world can translate to meaningful gains for animals in the real world.”

There.com members can purchase HSUS virtual merchandise for their avatars at The HSUS branded virtual storefront in There.com. Members may also acquire the corresponding real-life version directly from The HSUS, tying real-world merchandise to the sale of virtual world merchandise. There.com will be working hand in hand with The HSUS to promote its in-world activities through its daily list of events and blog and forum postings. Members that have signed up to participate in events also get email reminders prior to the start of events.

“There.com is very supportive of the work that The Humane Society of the United States does to protect animals and end animal cruelty. The virtual dogs that we offer in There.com are incredibly popular, and it’s clear that we have a large number of members who are animal lovers,” said Michael Wilson, CEO of Makena Technologies. “We believe there's a huge synergy between The HSUS and There.com's community, and we're really excited about bringing them together.”

About Makena Technologies, Inc.

Makena Technologies is the parent company of There.com, a fully interactive, 3D online virtual world where members can customize and create their own 3D character, meet and hang out with friends in real-time using voice and text chat, build their own virtual homes, participate in events ranging from car races to paintball to fashion shows and even create and sell their own virtual items. There.com is a safe and exciting “PG-13” environment for ages 13 and up that has something to offer nearly anyone. Makena Technologies has offices in San Mateo, CA and Laguna Beach, CA. For more information, visit http://www.there.com.

About the Humane Society

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at humanesociety.org.