Bloch Business School Goes Cycling

A new turn for a Kansas City institution:

The Bloch School of Business partners with Team Garmin and Auction Cause to offer the ultimate cycling spectator experience.

Entrepreneurial fundraising in a challenging economy – bid for a unique VIP experience at the famed bicycle race in Paris, France, proceeds to benefit Bloch School of Business Students.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. June 2, 2009 – With a challenging economy impacting nonprofits, one entrepreneurial business school has developed an innovative method of raising funds and awareness for their school’s educational program. An auction for VIP access to the exciting final stage at cycling’s premier race on July 26, 2009 in Paris, France is up for grabs on eBay to the highest bidder.

Garmin International, the global leader in satellite navigation and sponsor of Team Garmin, and Auction Cause, the leading cause marketing agency have partnered with The Henry W. Bloch School of Business and Public Administration at the University of Missouri-Kansas City(UMKC) to offer cycling fans and enthusiasts a once-in-a-lifetime cycling experience!

“Given the economy and our school’s spirit of entrepreneurism, we were forced to be innovative when approaching this year’s fundraising efforts,” said Joe Freeman, co-chair of the Council for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. ìThis unique opportunity goes beyond a traditional auction listing, allowing fans to see Cycling’s Premier Race with unprecedented access.”

Dr. Michael Song, Director of the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Bloch School, and one of the world’s leading academics for entrepreneurialism sees a great lesson for his students in this effort. “Entrepreneurism is something we teach everyday at the Bloch School. Given the importance of funding these vital education programs, it
s something we had to exhibit as well in this case. All funds raised from this event will be used to help train future student entrepreneurs enrolled at the Bloch School of Business.” said Dr. Song.

In the finale of perhaps the greatest spectator sport in the world, Paris, France will be the setting for the lucky winner who outbids their competitors, capturing a racing package loaded with fun events, gifts, parties, and of course four premier seats at the finish line on the Champs-Elysees in Paris.

Garmin donated the cycling package to help raise funds for the Bloch School’s Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, one of the world’s leading entrepreneurial training centers.

BCB