In 2008, author Patrick Rothfuss started the Worldbuilders charity and its annual fundraising drive in support of an organization that fights poverty in over 40 countries, Heifer International. “It helps people raise themselves up out of poverty and starvation," says Rothfuss. "All over the world, Heifer promotes education, sustainable agriculture, and local industry.”

This is the fifth year of the charity drive, and Rothfuss has enlisted the help of many notable friends to encourage donations. If you've ever wanted to be immortalized in the pages of a novel, this is your opportunity to try to make it happen. Worldbuilders announced this week that several authors are auctioning cameo appearances in upcoming books, including Rothfuss, Ernest Cline, and more. There are, of course, limitations. Cline warns potential bidders:

If you win the auction, I’ll give a minor character in the book your first name, your last name, your AD&D character’s name, your dog’s name – whatever you want. But be warned: this character may die a horrible death shortly after their introduction.

Other auctions include a signed Portal prop replica, Doctor Who audiobooks, and more. All proceeds from these auctions will be given to Heifer International.

Pat Rothfuss, author of the phenomenal Kingkiller Chronicle fantasy series, also added a chance to get your name in a novel through the Worldbuilders lottery. For every $10 a person donates to the cause, Worldbuilders enters that person in a lottery to win rare or signed books and more prizes than I can list here.

It's a great cause and a chance to give something to yourself this holiday season, so if you're still looking for a charity worthy of your time and money this year, hop on over to the Worldbuilders web site for more details.