The T.J. Martell Foundation, a non-profit organization with longtime music industry ties, launches their annual online auction event today (4/29) featuring items donated by Dave Matthews [ tickets ], the Dixie Chicks and the Backstreet Boys and many other acts to raise money for continued research into cures for leukemia, cancer and AIDS.

The auction, named Starbid '99 and hosted by First Auction, will run from April 29th through May 13th. Unique items contributed to the campaign include a size 6 pair of autographed blue jeans from Martina McBride, an autographed litograph of Howard Stern, a day on the set of MTV Jams, a Taylor acoustic guitar signed by Richie Sambora and a private backyard concert by the Crash Test Dummies.

The foundation, founded in 1975, is named for a leukemia victim who died, prompting his father, music industry veteran Tony Martell, to begin fundraising efforts for additional reasearch. The foundation hosts a series of annual celebrity softball, bowling, billiards, tennis and golf events.