On Thursday, November 19, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia hosted our Seventh-Annual Cadence Youth Cycling Gala at the National Museum of American Jewish History. The goal of the fundraiser was to raise money for our Cadence Youth Cycling program.
Cadence is the Bicycle Coalition’s youth program which helps kids in North and West Philadelphia foster healthy habits, independence, and leadership one ride at a time. High school students learn about teamwork, perseverance and goal-setting through the sport of competitive cycling.
This year’s guests of honor were outgoing-Mayor Michael Nutter, and Philadelphia Eagles Linebacker Connor Barwin, both of whom have had a great impact on bicycling in the city. Both were awarded the Maguire Award, which was presented by Jamie Maguire, Executive Chairman of Philadelphia Insurance Companies.
Philadelphia Eagle Connor Barwin speaks of the importance of cycling at the Cadence Gala. (Photo: JP Bevins)
The athlete of the night was former Cadence student athlete, and current Cadence coach, Michael Taylor, who emphasized the importance goal-setting has had on his life—a skill honed during his time in Cadence.
After the fund-raising auction, there was a fashion show, in which local celebrities and a who’s-who of the bike world, modeled bike fashion for the crowd.
The Fashionistas (Photo: JP Bevins)
(Photo: JP Bevins)
Oh, right. The Phanatic was there.
Thanks everyone who came to the Gala and supports Cadence Youth Cycling. The program cannot run without your help! We’ll have more photos up on this blog and our social media pages soon.
Cadence Youth Cycling is now Bicycle Coalition Youth Cycling. Click here to learn more about the recent changes, and click here to donate.