Hindsight ...... I do feel rather stupid believing that this event was ever going to be held. Looking back through all this and recalling all those promises that Ben made regarding cash awards, autos, etc., it's damn evident that he was going to have to take a hefty amount of $$$$ out of his own pocket to cover those expenses no matter what the sponsors offered to contribute.
A few of us know what it costs to promote a bodybuilding event ($25,000 minimum based on my personal experience) and how much that basic cost would be increased when you threw in expensive automobiles and/or cash awards.
It's pretty obvious that the promoter would not end up with a profit and would have to spend a lot of his own cash to meet all his commitments.
The one thing I noticed that sort of convinced me that sufficient funds might be available to meet these expenses was the high entry fee. Set those fees high enough and you actually could end up offering the winner a plastic cup filled with a million dollars.
But high entry fees means - fewer contestants which just about kills that idea at the start.
The IFBB itself could not have devised a better plan to avoid competition in the future. In this case all they had to do was sit back and let Ben do all that work on their behalf by his lonesome.
The IFBB should present Ben with an appreciation award during the Olympia finals. And Vince should gladly accept it on his behalf.
New Point: Here's a thought that could possibly work ......... I offer it to Chick and the IFBB for consideration. Every five to ten years the IFBB should promote a world wide contest open to one and all - amatuer or pro (no need to be a part of any sanctioning body at the initial couple of events and both pros and amateurs can compete). Let the world know what type of physique is considered the IDEAL and set judging standards to award the one ideal individual who meets that ideal criteria. And give the winner a Million Dollars!
A million dollars is a lot of moooo-la so the entry fees would have to be rather high and if the million dollars is impossible to round up from the contestants, the void should be filled by the Suppliment companies and possibly by the Weiders themselves who can afford it easily). And maybe even donations from the Get Big members.
Get guys like Chick and Keith to get the finances rolling (Keith is phenominal at doing that and Bob would be the counter-balance with his numerous contacts and gregarious disposition). These two would work great together if their sole mission was to secure the necessary prize money commitments.
All such funds would be placed into an escrow account with detailed instructions regarding how and when it would be withdrawn and specifically slated for the $1,000,000 cash award in the form of a Cashier's Check immediately upon the announcement of the winner or refund to the donors if the show did not materialize.
Now, in order to keep Keith and Bob motivated, I would suggest that they both share a 12 to 15% commission of all funds deposited into that Escrow account with strict instructions regarding how and when that commission is to be paid.
Just a start of an idea here which could actually happen if there is ample interest.
Worth considering, Bob, or NOT!
