The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin and Saris Cycling Group raised $100,000 at the sixth annual Saris Gala last on October 9. Funds raised will support a variety of Bike Fed programs, including a safety education initiative that will distribute safety information to every county in Wisconsin in 2010.

“We greatly appreciate the overwhelming support we received at this year’s Saris Gala,” Kevin Hardman, executive director of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, said. “These are difficult economic times, yet our supporters came out and proved their confidence in us through an evening of tremendous giving.”

Hardman said Saris Gala events have raised more than $350,000 to date and fueled the Bicycle Federation’s successes, including passage of the statewide Complete Streets legislation, inclusion of $5 million for bicycle infrastructure in the state budget and passage of an anti-dooring Law.

Over 400 guests bid on silent auction items, including Packer vs. Viking tickets. A live auction, led by professional auctioneer Gayle Stallings, got attendees bidding on vacation packages and Lance Armstrong signed jerseys.

Guests also ate, drank and mingled with cycling superstars Taylor Phinney, Axel Merckx and Gary Fisher. Local political leaders Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk and State Rep. Spencer Black also attended.

Saris Cycing Group President Chris Fortune said, “We’re proud to host the Saris Gala, but we did not do this alone. This is a community event that relies heavily on volunteers and the generous support of our local and national industry partners. We could not do it without their help.”

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