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For an eighth consecutive year, World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), owners of the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 Series, will conduct its auction with eBay, designed to benefit a variety of charitable organizations worldwide. The Ironman Foundation has raised more than $3,500,000 through the initiative since its inception in 2003.

This year’s auction will include four slots to the 2010 Ironman World Championship taking place on Oct. 9 in Kailua-Kona. The auction will begin Sunday, April 25 and will incorporate four phases with one slot available per week. Each of the slots in the auction will begin with a minimum bid of $10,000.

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, Hawaii and Clearwater, Fla.

For example, to celebrate Ironman Arizona’s fifth anniversary in Tempe in 2009, a donation of $25,000 was extended to Salt River Children’s Community Foundation in support of local youth programming.

A donation of $20,000 also was made to the Tempe Union High Schools Education Foundation to assist in development of enhanced educational opportunities that build positive school-community cooperation. Ironman made a $10,000 contribution to Ahuena Heiau to be used toward the restoration of the Hale Mana, the largest of the five structures located at Ahuena Heiau.

Ironman also recognizes a multitude of groups that are affiliated with the events throughout race season, in addition to chapters on a national and/or global 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, Habitat for Humanity and The United Way.

Additionally, Ironman presented the Ronald McDonald House, whose mission is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well being of children, with a $5,000 donation.

In addition to the opportunity to compete at the 2010 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.

According to World Triathlon Corporation’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.

Bidding will begin April 25 at www.ironman.com