LAS VEGAS, NV (BRAIN)—As the bike industry descended on Las Vegas for Interbike ‘08, it wasn’t all business.
Throughout the show, the Kona Bike Co. and IMBA teamed up to raise money and procure more memberships for IMBA, while spreading the word about protecting and building more trails for all of us to enjoy.
Representatives from IMBA hung out in the Kona booth from the start of the show selling memberships and raffle tickets for the chance to win the grand prize—a 2009 Kona Coilair.
The fun culminated at the end of the show Thursday, with two kegs of beer provided by New Belgium Brewing Company being polished off. Voices from Kona and IMBA folks were also blasted through a megaphone to get the attention of show attendees not close enough to the action.
Kona, Dirt Rag magazine and IMBA goodies were thrown out to the crowds, and donation hats were passed around. Once the kegs were kicked and final raffle tickets purchased, the lucky ticket of Kaj Gronholm of Full Cycle in Boulder, Colorado, was picked. Needless to say, he was one very happy winner of a 2009 Kona Coilair.
“The raffle was fun. It was vintage Kona—loud and enthusiastic about supporting IMBA and trails,” said Gronholm, a long-time IMBA supporter. “I've been an IMBA member since 1998, and anything I can do to support them I will. I believe that IMBA—along with their local affiliates—do more to help trail access issues and trail maintenance and construction. For those of us who mountain bike, we can thank these organizations for having trails to do it on. Plus, I get great socks when I renew my IMBA membership.”
A total of $8,200 was raised, and 140 memberships were gained or renewed during the event.
“IMBA was thrilled to have Kona showcase its efforts in their booth at Interbike," said Rich Cook, IMBA's development director. "IMBA programs put incredible trails on the ground and attract new riders to the sport. The Kona booth and raffle at Interbike provided a perfect opportunity for the rest of the industry to pitch in and show support for these accomplishments."
For Kona, partnering with such a great organization like IMBA is a no-brainer.
“Kona has long realized that it’s going to take strong leadership to preserve, protect and expand trail access for mountain bikers everywhere,” said Cory Blackwood, Kona’s advocacy director. “IMBA is just the organization to do that. Many thanks to all the friends of IMBA and Kona who contributed to this year’s fundraiser and made it such a success.”
