Tom and Lee's Cyclery hosted a
fundraiser in Fort Collins, Colorado to benefit Colorado Junior Cycling
Development programs and cycling advocacy. On Thursday, November 9th,
Tom gave a presentation with Dave Towle, America's premier race announcer,
which included a Q&A from the audience and an autograph session.
Dave and Tom talked about everything from growing up on the east coast
to his stage 17 win at the Vuelta this year. The event raised over $3,400!
A silent auction netted several hundred dollars
and included a Lance Armstrong autographed helmet personally sent by "The
Boss" himself for the event. Many of Tom's signed jerseys from
his days at Fort Lewis, Saturn, and Fassa Bortolo were snatched up in
the process. However, Tom's used skin suit didn't go over as well for
some reason. "I'm a product of the development programs
and I know that if I hadn't been a part of the program I never would
have had the career I've had," said Tom. "It was a big part
of my life and now I have the time and opportunity to raise money and
give back." At the end of the evening, Tom announced that
he had a special giveaway (which was not advertised or mentioned previously)
for one lucky person. Tom had contacted Trek and was able to get the
company to contribute a brand new Trek Madone 5.9 SL which retails for
$5,500! Note: Remember this act of generosity from Trek when purchasing
your next bike!
Tom truly worked like crazy to make it happen.
But Tom didn't want to include it in the silent auction. He wanted it
to be a big surprise
- and it was. Tom reached into the basket of raffle tickets (free to
anyone at the event), and pulled out the lucky winner's ticket. It was
Patricia Barry, a 64 year old breast cancer survivor and LAF.org member
from Fort Collins. Her excitement quickly turned to angst. "What
am I going to do with that?" Pat shouted. "Why don't we give
it to one of our juniors here tonight?". With that, the audience
applauded and agreed. Pat then chose a raffle ticket from the junior
stack and Quinn Loads
went home with a very big smile! Trek will take
his measurements and send the correct size.
The event was a big success and the Colorado junior
cycling camps will now have the necessary funds to offer all juniors
the camps free
of charge
next season.
> Read
the Press Release
> Download
the Event Poster (1.9MB PDF) |
