Categorized | Multi-sport, Sports

WTC launches 2011 charitable eBay auction

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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. The auction will began 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 100 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 Hawaii County Fire Department, The Pediatric Cancer Foundation, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii (PATH) and the County of Hawaii 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. All funds are tax-deductible in the United States.

International bidders will need to verify locally tax deductibility. All proceeds go to The Ironman Foundation, which will in turn make donations to the organizations.

Ironman covers administrative costs to ensure all monies raised will directly benefit the selected charities.

Athlete inquiries may be directed to Kona@ironman.com.

Bidding for the first slot runs through May 1 at www.ironman.com or http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250808871712

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