UltimateBid.com Creates the Market for DreamsJoe Montana, Heidi Klum, Gloria Estefan, Tiger Woods and Derek Jeter Among 'Dream Team' Raising Funds for CharityNew Online Marketplace for Extraordinary Experiences Launches Today NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 7, 2000-- Whether your dream is to play a round of golf with Tiger Woods, meet Gloria Estefan at the 42nd Annual GRAMMY® Awards, or join supermodel Heidi Klum on location -- starting today, UltimateBid.com will make these dreams become a reality.,p>Joined by some of the world's leading companies in travel, sports and entertainment, co-founders IMG and Rosewood Venture Group have created a new online auction-based marketplace enabling fans for the first time to bid on a broad range of unique experiences. These experiences, many of which will be anchored by star personalities and athletes, feature VIP access to the hottest events and world-renowned travel destinations. IMG, the world's largest sports marketing and management company, will serve as a major content provider with its access to high-profile athletes, celebrities, models and special events. IMG's list of international clients range from Arnold Palmer, Tiger Woods, Venus and Serena Williams, Derek Jeter, Wayne Gretzky, Peyton Manning to Itzhak Perlman, Wimbledon, the British Open, the United Stated Olympic Committee and the Nobel Foundation. UltimateBid.com content will not be exclusive to IMG's athletes and properties. ``UltimateBid.com provides a great way for our clients to supplement the millions of dollars they already raise for non-profit organizations, '' said Mark McCormack founder, Chairman and CEO of IMG. ``Companies have been able to arrange these corporate outings for years. Now individuals can have their wishes fulfilled too.'' Newly inducted Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana and supermodel Heidi Klum, both IMG clients, are partners in the venture and will represent the sports and travel auctions. ``I've been fortunate to fulfill my lifelong dreams, including playing in and winning the Super Bowl, so I believe in the concept of helping make other people's dreams a reality,'' said Joe Montana, 4-time Super Bowl winner as San Francisco 49ers quarterback. ``Not only can people participate in these wonderful experiences, but raise important funds to worthwhile charities at the same time. Don't be surprised to see me bidding on a few of these items.'' A major component of the site will be the charity-based auctions, in which UltimateBid.com will donate a percentage of the winning bid to charities and non-profit organizations. The first charities to benefit from the auction experiences are the NARAS Foundation (Gloria Estefan), the Tiger Woods Foundation (Tiger Woods) and the Turn 2 Foundation (Derek Jeter). ``We are creating a unique marketplace that currently does not exist, giving consumers and corporations the ability to purchase quality experiences that are otherwise unavailable, said Jody Gessow, co-founder and Chairman, Ultimatebid.com. ''I am most excited that we have the chance to transform non-profit and charitable event auctions from small audiences of black tie bidders to a global audience of experience seekers. We expect to raise millions of dollars for charities and nonprofits around the world.`` UltimateBid.com will feature several GRAMMY Awards packages. Highlighting the offerings is a Gloria Estefan package, which includes tickets to the 42nd Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 23, the after party and the MusiCares Person of the Year dinner honoring Elton John. Gloria Estefan is the spokesperson and partner of QuePasa.com, the proud sponsor of her U.S. 2000 Tour. A sample of the many unique experiences that will be available on UltimateBid.com at launch include: - Attend spring training with New York Yankees' Derek Jeter |