(1888PressRelease)
May 05, 2006 - For those who have dreamed of competing against a World Champion, twenty-five lucky bidders will have the opportunity to prove their chess prowess against the highest ranked player of all time, Garry Kasparov. The two-part auction via eBay Giving Works, the dedicated site for nonprofit auctions, commenced on April 21, with the remaining seats being auctioned off on May 2 at 9 PM (EST) and ending on May 12 at 9 PM (EST).
Not just a game, but a memory in the making, the head-to-head competition takes place on June 12th in Manhattan’s famed New York Athletic Club. The 25 highest bidders will be able to invite up to 3 guests each to share in the evening of festivities, which also includes a cocktail hour, full sit down dinner, photos and autographs with Garry, as well as a certificate commemorating the event. All proceeds will benefit the Kasparov Chess Foundation’s efforts to promote chess education in the schools.
This event marks the first time the Foundation is leveraging eBay’s auction platform for a fundraising event and points to the web’s increasing role in promoting philanthropic causes. To ensure safe bidding and a smooth auction process, the Kasparov Chess Foundation has hired Auction Cause, a premier online auction management agency, to oversee the activity on eBay.
“What makes this event truly unique, is that people from all over the world can bid to challenge Garry, as well as help raise needed funds to introduce this wonderful game to children who may not otherwise be exposed to it,” commented Michael Khodarkovsky, President of the Kasparov Chess Foundation.
Auction Terms: Bidders will need to be prequalified in order to place a bid, which will start at $2000 per slot. Participants must have an ELO or USCF lifetime rating of 2000 or less (these are ratings from chess federations.) Transportation, hotel accommodations, and other expenses incurred to attend the event are the sole responsibility of the winning bidder and their guests. Additional terms apply. Please read through the individual auctions for further details.
About the Kasparov Chess Foundation
Founded by World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov, KCF’s mission is to bring the many educational benefits of chess to children by providing a complete chess curriculum and enrichment programs. The Foundation promotes the study of chess as a cognitive learning tool in curricular classes and after-school programs, both in the public and private school sectors. To learn more, visit kasparovchessfoundation.org.
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