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Tarpon Springs, FL (March 27, 2008) – For a sixth consecutive year, Ironman will conduct its annual auction with eBay, designed to benefit a variety of charitable organizations worldwide. The Ironman Foundation has raised more than $2,000,000 through the auction since its inception in 2003.
This year’s auction will include six slots to the 2008 Ford Ironman World Championship taking place on October 11 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The auction will begin on Sunday, April 13 and will incorporate six phases with one slot available per week. The minimum bid for slots to the event will begin at $10,000. The average selling price for slots to the world’s most challenging endurance event is approximately $40,000.
In 2007, Ironman made grants and donations to deserving charities on Hawaii’s Big Island including: the American Cancer Society, Boy Scouts of America, Daughters of Hawaii, Habitat for Humanity and the Special Olympics. Additionally, more than $100,000 in cash and/or supplies went to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, The Hospice of Kona and the Hawaii Fire Department, in conjunction with the Daniel Robert Sayre Memorial Foundation. Details on each of the beneficiary organizations are below:
· St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital – Located in Tampa, FL, St. Joseph’s is a premier hospital committed to providing everything needed for the health and well being of children. St. Joseph’s received a check for $50,000 to be used to purchase additional entertainment and supplies for patient rooms and the facility.
· Hospice of Kona, Hawaii – With a mission to provide family-centered support, education and care for those approaching the end of life, the Hospice was given a 15-passenger Ford van along with one year’s worth of fuel and vehicle insurance. The van will offer transportation for individuals to and from the facility.
· Kalaoa Volunteer Fire Company – In an effort to update equipment allowing for even greater service to the Kona community, the company was given a new flat bed truck to assist in the transport of necessary firefighting apparatus. This vehicle will allow for enhanced safety and quicker response times.
“On behalf of the staff, volunteers and program recipients of Hospice of Kona, I would like to express our sincere thanks to the Ironman Foundation for its most generous gift. I have been a volunteer for the event here in Kona for 7 years and view Ironman as a leader in our community in the area of volunteerism. Working together allows us to share knowledge and resources among our organizations and with our community,” said Hospice of Kona’s Executive Director, Laura Vernay.
In addition to the opportunity to compete at the 2008 Ford Ironman World Championship, winners will also 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, fundraising efforts are acceptable. According to Ironman’s President and CEO, Ben Fertic, all funds are tax-deductible and 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.
Once the auction has been launched, a link will be made available on www.ironman.com to ensure easy access.
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