Mizuno Is Set To Auction A Commemorative Set of MP-100 Irons To Celebrate The Company’s 100th Anniversary
Norcross, GA (October 17, 2006) – Mizuno USA, Inc., The First Tee, and 3balls.com today announced details of a special charity auction with proceeds benefiting The First Tee. The online auction is available at the following link: http://cgi.ebay.com/MIZUNO-LMTD-EDITION-MP- 100-CENTENARY-IRONS-1-of-2006 through 10 p.m. eastern time October 25th. The First Tee is a premier charity partner of eBay Sports and 3balls.com is the auction management site for The First Tee.
Mizuno, maker of the world’s finest forged irons, is celebrating the company’s 100th anniversary in 2006. In recognition of this milestone, Mizuno is producing 2,006 Limited Edition Centenary sets of MP-100 irons which will be sold worldwide. The sets of MP-100 Grain Flow Forged irons will come complete with a gorgeous wood and glass display case and a numbered certificate of authenticity. Mizuno is offering the very first production set, serialized #0001 of 2,006, to be auctioned off on eBay with 100% of the proceeds going to The First Tee.
"We are extremely proud to have the opportunity to partner with The First Tee on this auction of our commemorative set of MP-100 irons celebrating Mizuno’s 100-year anniversary," said Bob Puccini, president Mizuno USA, Inc. and chairman of Mizuno Canada, Ltd. "Mizuno’s corporate philosophy is ‘contributing to society through the advancement of sporting goods and the promotion of sports,’ and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to illustrate that commitment through a donation to The First Tee which positively impacts the lives of so many young people through the game of golf."
The commemorative sets of Mizuno MP-100 irons will be available to retail customers beginning November 20, 2006.
"We are delighted that Mizuno Corporation chose The First Tee as the beneficiary of this auction", said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., executive director of The First Tee. "Their contribution, combined with the ongoing support The First Tee receives from our Founding Partners, other corporations, foundations, individuals, and the public sector, enhances our ability to deliver life skills lessons that help young people reach their full potential."
Mizuno USA, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mizuno Corporation, one of the largest specialty sporting goods manufacturers in the world. Mizuno USA, Inc. manufactures and distributes baseball, golf, softball, running, track & field, and volleyball equipment, apparel, and footwear for North America. Mizuno USA, Inc. is based in Norcross, Georgia.
About The First Tee:
The First Tee (www.thefirsttee.org) is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in St. Augustine, FL at World Golf Village, home of the World Golf Hall of Fame. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has opened over 250 golf-learning facilities in 46 states and five international locations, and has introduced the game of golf and its values to over 675,000 participants. The First Tee National School Program (www.thefirstteensp.org) has reached more than 400,000 students in over 900 elementary schools across the country.
As Founding Corporate Partner of The First Tee, Shell Oil Company has provided financial resources to support the development of this charitable youth initiative aimed at promoting character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Because of Shell’s initial contribution, The First Tee has been able to garner the support of hundreds of corporations and organizations that have provided financial or promotional support to The First Tee and its Chapters.
Contact:
Iver Maple
Mizuno USA
(770) 453-7832
Iver.maple@mizunousa.com