COEUR d'ALENE - Litzy Bear's plan is to draw the winning raffle ticket as he's running down Sherman before he crosses the Ironman finish line on Sunday.

He's raffling off a custom built Wreckreator beach cruiser to raise money for his charity, St. Vincent de Paul.

It's all part of his effort to build a new charitable Ironman Team that is focused on raising money for local charities.

Litzy Bear's real name is Alex Litz; the nickname stems from his high school years. He was much larger back then, or huggable as he says.

"I used to be a much bigger guy," he said, explaining that is was prompted him to begin living a healthier lifestyle.

As he progressed in his health quest, he watched Ironman Coeur d'Alene progress as well.

After seeing his friend having fun competing in the event, and listening to stories from those who have competed, he decided to go for it.

This year will be his first year competing in the triathlon.

With the help of seasoned local Ironmen, Litz began training for this season.

"I am lucky to live in Coeur d'Alene where there are a lot of Ironmen to train with," he said. "We also have the advantage of riding the actual course, swimming the actual course and running the course year-round."

He's not too nervous heading into Sunday. He said he is comfortable with the biking and running legs of the race.

"Swimming and I have an agreement though," Litz said. "I'm not going to break any record there, but I'm not going to drown either."

Nick Buley, one of the seasoned Ironmen he trains with, estimates Litz will finish in the 13-hour range.

"It's doable," Buley told him during a fundraiser and launch of the Care Bears Team concept at the Coeur d'Alene Galleries on Sherman Avenue Thursday night.

Buley said he was going to do it in 11 hours, 37 minutes and 32 seconds.

Buley plans to become a Buley Bear next year to raise money for Fresh Start Warming Shelter, where he and his father used to cook breakfast from time to time.

"I haven't talked with them yet," he said. "But I have a pretty good connection with them."

He likes that charity because they don't just give handouts, they actually help people get back on their feet.

"A lot more can do a lot of good there," he said. "And this is the stuff I like to do."

He suspects as the younger guys get involved in Ironman, the Care Bear Team concept will begin to take shape.

As for nerves, Buley said he's probably a little more nervous than Litz is.

"This year I trained a lot harder than I ever have," he said. "It's pretty hard not to do anything in this final week."

Litz said he came up with a lot of the concept for the team while training this year. He said there is a lot of time to meditate on things like that when you're riding or running.

This year he decided to do it himself and launch the team concept in hopes of attracting five to six Ironmen next season.

"I am kind of the prototype for this," he said. "When others come on, I'll be able to help them get sponsorships and things like that."

They will also get a page on his website: www.cdacarebears.com

Litz has already secured eight corporate sponsors and made up bright red T-shirts that say "Litzy Bear Don't Care" with an angry looking Care-Bear-like image on the front.

His close friend KC Reese had to have one.

"He is a really good guy and I want to support this effort," Reese said.

Litz has already raised a couple thousand dollars from sponsors that will go to St. Vincent de Paul this year. Next year he is dreaming much bigger.

He has his sights set on recruitment.

He pointed out former Coeur d'Alene city councilman Chris Copstead at the fundraiser. Copstead is an Ironman finisher.

"I let him get a couple of drinks in him, and then I'll get him on board," he said. "That's another great thing about these fundraisers, you get a couple drinks in these guys and they'll start writing checks."

Jeff Conroy, executive director of St. Vincent de Paul, is another target, Litz said.

Conroy is running his first Ironman this year as well. He has competed in several triathlons, but never Ironman.

"I just want to get it over with," he said at the fundraiser. "This weather doesn't help things."

Conroy likes the Care Bear Team concept, but he is going to be busy with family matters for the next couple of years, so he isn't likely to commit to the Care Bear Team just yet.

"We'll see after 2015," he said.