The first Saris Gala was in 2003, was planned in four weeks and began as a glorified pizza and beer affair. Since those modest beginnings the gala has turned in to one of the country’s biggest fundraisers benefitting a bicycle-advocacy organization.

Saturday’s 2011 Saris Gala was an exciting, huge hit. Attended by more than 500 people, the gala raised nearly $100,000 to support the mission of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin.

The Saris Gala cold not happen without the tremendous dedication, support and commitment from the Saris Cycling Group. In 1989, Sara and Chris Fortune (Sara + Chris = Saris) purchased Graber Products, a Madison-area manufacturer of roof, trunk and hitch racks. In the over 22 years since Sara and Chris purchased the company they have built one of Wisconsin’s proudest bicycle companies. They have grown their business to include finely designed bicycle racks, commercial bicycle parking systems and sophisticated power monitoring and training equipment through their CycleOps brand.

The Saris Cycling family also includes Sara and Chris’ daughter Heather Fortune. As Saris’ Advocacy Coordinator, Heather works very hard to promote bicycling, not only in Wisconsin but around the country. She’s also the reason the Gala was such a huge success. Thanks to Heather, who worked tirelessly to pull off a major event.  Heather had a lot of help from the Saris extended family of employees, in particular the indispensable Lindsay Suttin and dozens of Saris volunteers.

The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin is also indebted to the all great guys from the 7-Eleven team who flew in for the event. Thank you so much for sharing your ground-breaking endeavors with everyone at the Gala. The Bike Fed would also like to say a special thank you to our good friend Tom Schuler for his help reaching out to all his former teammates.

Last, but certainly not least, thanks to everyone who came to the Gala.  It is a pleasure to serve such a supportive community of people who share a love of cycling.