WTC Launches 2011 Charitable eBay Auction
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For immediate release
WTC Launches 2011 Charitable eBay Auction
Tampa, Fla. (April 22, 2011) – For a ninth consecutive year, World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), owner of the Ironman brand, will conduct its annual Ironman auction with eBay, designed to benefit a variety of charitable organizations worldwide. Since its inception in 2003, The Ironman Foundation has given more than $7 million in grants and donations to non-profit organizations across the world.
This year’s auction will include four slots to the 2011 Ford Ironman World Championship on Oct. 8 in Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i. The auction will begin this Sunday, April 24, and will incorporate four phases with one slot available per week. Each of the slots will begin with a minimum bid of $10,000 and one hundred percent of the money from the final winning bids will go to support the efforts of The Ironman Foundation.
Each year, The Ironman Foundation selects groups within its various event markets for donations including organizations located in the two World Championship host cities – Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i and Lake Las Vegas in Henderson, Nev. The Ironman Foundation also recognizes a multitude of groups on a national and international level. Some of last year’s grants and donations were received by the following: The American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Boy Scouts of America, Boys & Girls Club and The United Way.
To date, more than $2 million has been raised through the annual Ironman eBay auction. Through the success of the auction specifically, The Ironman Foundation has donated to organizations like Team Blazeman, Hospice of Kona, C Different, Daniel Robert Sayre Memorial Foundation – with funds benefitting the Hawai`i Fire Department on the Big Island of Hawai`i, The Pediatric Cancer Foundation, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawai`i (PATH) and the County of Hawai`i Parks & Recreation Department.
In addition to the opportunity to compete at the 2011 Ford Ironman World Championship, eBay auction winners will receive private athlete registration in Kona and four VIP packages, including race-day passes and invitations to race-week functions.
Funding for the eBay auction does not have to be generated through one source, as fundraising efforts are acceptable, however, funds are due once the auction ends. According to WTC President and CEO, Ben Fertic, all funds are tax-deductible in the United States. International bidders will need to locally verify tax deductability. All proceeds go to The Ironman Foundation, which will in turn make donations to the organizations. Ironman covers all administrative costs to ensure all monies raised will directly benefit the selected charities.
Bidding will begin this Sunday, April 24, at www.ironman.com. All athlete inquiries can be directed to Kona@ironman.com. Media-related inquiries can be sent to Jessica Weidensall at Jessica@ironman.com or Shelby Tuttle atShelby.Tuttle@ironman.com. All parties may be reached at 813-868-5940.
About World Triathlon Corporation
World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) is a Tampa-based company recognized for athletic excellence, distinguished events and quality products. WTC’s growing portfolio includes the Ironman, Ironman 70.3, 5150, Iron Girl and IronKids brands, which have a combined total of more than 180events worldwide each year. Supported by partners including Ford, Timex, Foster Grant and PowerBar, Ironman is the No.1 user-based sports brand in the world and has been a respected name in triathlon since its inception in 1978.