NEWPORT BEACH, CA (BRAIN)—More than $20,000 was raised recently for the SoCal Interscholastic Cycling League by dinner attendees and silent auction bidders.
Cycling legends Gary Fisher and current BMC professional racer Tony Cruz elevated the evening, while 24 Hour National Champion "Pua" Sawicki interacted with several cycling stars of tomorrow at the event.
Held at the famous Ca Del Sole Italian Restaurant near Universal Studios, the Benefit Dinner started off with a reception held amongst the raffle items in a private courtyard. While guests mingled with the media, racers, sponsors, and enthusiasts, volunteers for the league prepared for an evening of historical proportions.
"When we look back in 20 years at how big and important cycling is with kids and the population in general, we'll be able to point back to the inception of the High School Cycling League as a catalyst," said Gary Fisher (pictured), Master of Ceremonies for the event. "What (league director) Matt Fritzinger has done in Northern California, is ready to blow-up here in Southern Cal, and then go across the country like other trends."
"We were amazed by the turn out and enthusiasm at our first SoCal CycleFest Dinner," Fritzinger said. "It was an important gathering of forward thinking stake-holders who all seem to have a tremendous sense of being at the beginning of something big."
