Showing support for Pelotonia 2016 at this year's Power of the Pedal Gala

On Wednesday, August 3, several local celebrities joined Pelotonia supporters and riders at the 8th Annual Power of the Pedal Team Solove Gala Event at Bon Vie Bistro at Easton. The Basement Doctor presented the event and was proud to be a part of such a memorable evening that included inspirational speakers, fun live entertainment, food and drinks, a 50/50 Raffle, and both a live and silent auction filled with amazing prize packages.

Shelley Meyer speaking during the VIP Reception

The gala takes place ahead of the Pelotonia opening ceremony to help their team of riders raise even more funds for this important cause. This year, the gala successfully raised thousands of dollars that will go directly to cancer research at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Institute. The total raised will be added to the amounts raised by the individual riders and announced after the ride is completed this Sunday, August 7.

The gala was hosted by Maria Durant of ABC 6/ Fox 28 and Kelley Douglas of Stile Salon & Spa, and was emceed by ABC 6 / Fox 28 meteorologist Phil Kelly and Good Day Columbus weekend anchor Adam Slinger. The first lady of Buckeye Football Shelley Meyer spoke along with several cancer survivors, and the doctors Denis Guttridge and Michael Galigiuri of the James Cancer Hospital. All delivered powerful messages of hope. 

The Basement Doctor was presented with a team jersey

Each year, Power of the Pedal remembers someone who has lost their life to cancer, and this year they honored Franklin County Sheriff Jim Karnes with the Richard J. Solove Award. Jim was the longest serving sheriff in Franklin County, having served for over 48 years.

The gala was the perfect start for what will surely be an exciting Pelotonia weekend. Riders on Power of the Pedal Team Solove have committed riding anywhere from 25 miles to 180 miles. In addition to being the presenting sponsor for the gala, one of our own Basement Doctor team members Betsy Greenbaum will be riding this weekend. We wish her the best of luck!

To learn more about Pelotonia and to make a donation to the team or to an individual rider, please click here.