Online auction site MightyBids.com announced the winner of its 2006 Pure Smart fortwo coupe giveaway. On September 1, 2006, Peggy Coster of Missouri was drawn from the numerous eligible entrants to the MightyBids contest.

Coster sells two-way radios on MightyBids under the username TiggersMama12. After some discussion, Coster and her husband opted for the cash equivalent rather than the Smart car. The two currently offer foster care, and Coster's husband wants to use the money to build an extension to their modest three-bedroom house, allowing them the room to welcome in more children in need.

"We couldn't have drawn a better person to win," commented MightyBids co-founder, Peter Michaud.

With over 15-thousand new visitors per day, the auction site enjoyed a flurry of new members as interest in the Drive Smart contest grew. Michaud and co-founder Jeff Ramaglia feel that the interest drawn from the contest, along with the new members added to their ranks, will prove advantageous to everyone.

"As our membership grows, the number of great items available also grows," Michaud said. "From antiques and household goods, to clothes and curiosities; if people are looking for it, we want to help them find it."

While the co-founders say they are benefiting from users leaving other online auction sites due to rising fees, they credit membership growth to their no-fee auction services and policy of donating to 5% of profits to environmental causes.

"The Drive Smart contest was definitely responsible for bringing us new visitors," Michaud said, "But I think what MightyBids offers is what will make them decide to stay. We're still growing, but we're doing it right and not hitting people with a bevy of charges and fees. New members can see we care about the quality of their experience and not just about our bottom line."

Though no further giveaways have been formally announced, Michaud and Ramaglia hinted that the success of the Drive Smart contest has prompted them to look at other, similar incentives in the future.

http://www.mightybids.com