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| Steve DeCollibus, Managing Editor, Circuitnet
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Every day we read about, and are amazed by seemingly regular people organizing to give something back to society and the world. It is rarer still when we observe an industry organizing behind that person. That is just what will happen on August 31st when the first Electronics Equipment Charity Auction will take place.
Old friend and long time electronics executive Jeff Mogensen has brought companies like, Xline Asset Management, who will manage the logistics and Juki, Nordson, Speedline, Vitronics, Schleuniger, KIC, Air Vac and others who will supply the equipment together to support the Lance Armstrong Foundation, which was founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong.
We spoke with Jeff last week about the auction and how it all came about. Our questions and his answers follow.
Circuitnet: What was the process that led you to this idea?
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| LIVESTRONG
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Jeff Mogensen: It was a long process, full of up's and down's. I have always felt like I needed to give something back to the world. The ups have been good health, great family and friends and lots of opportunities.
The downs too often included cancer. We have all been touched by this disease in some way whether through a personal experience, a friend or family member. One out of three people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
I chose cancer as our cause and The Lance Armstrong Foundation as our beneficiary for the auction. Armstrong's survival story and all the services his foundation provide are so important to the cancer community and inspirational.
The industrial charity auction is just one project I have on my anti-cancer plate right now. I am riding for Marc Mandeville's MPOWER team in LIVESTRONG Challenge "Century" rides, held a casino night fundraiser, initiating a cancer awareness program at a local school and starting to work one-on-one with local people battling the disease. More info about what I am up to can be found on my website : https://www.letspickafightwithcancer.com.
The idea for the auction actually came to me one day while out training in three degree temperatures. I guess it's that the body sends more blood to the brain and heart when it gets cold. I know a lot of people in our industry, many who have been touched by cancer. I thought maybe I could unite the industry to address and support the global issue. Thankfully, I was right.
Circuitnet: What kind of support have you been getting from the industry?
J. M. Well it's been remarkable, just look at the product line-up, marquee companies. Even in these tough times, companies have been very generous. Several companies have donated this year and others have stated intentions to help out the next time around. I just wish I would have had more time to invite more companies.
Circuitnet: What are the dates and how can people bid on products?
J. M. The dates of the event are August 31 –
September 2, 2010. The auction is being hosted by our good friends at XLINE ASSETS. They have generously provided their services at no charge. All profits from the auction go directly to LIVESTRONG. There is still time to add products if you know anyone interested.
Details can be found at: http://xlineassets.com/auction_livestrong.shtml
Circuitnet: How is the bidding process structured, is there a way to get specs and pictures of the equipment that will be up for bid?
J. M. Yes, pictures and spec sheets are listed in the on-line catalog. The structure is pretty standard for any kind of on-line auction only in this case there are multiple winners, buyer and charity.
Circuitnet: What is your goal and do you hope to make this an annual event?
J. M. The ultimate goal is to live in a world cancer free. I would like to keep doing this event until we get there. Talks are already underway to create the second event. So, as long as the industry support is there we'll keep doing this auction.
About The Lance Armstrong Foundation
LIVESTRONG unites people through programs and experiences to empower cancer survivors to live life on their own terms and to raiseawareness and funds for the fight against cancer. LIVESTRONG focuses on cancer prevention, access to screening and care, research andquality of life for cancer survivors. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, our organization has raised more than $285 million for the fight against cancer. Join us at LIVESTRONG.org.
