MBP DIG was a huge success, raising $20,000 for McLaren Bike Park!

Last Sunday’s DIG fundraiser for McLaren Bike Park exceeded our expectations. Together, we raised $20,000 to get #morekidsonbikes in San Francisco.

We kicked off the event with a silent auction with tons of great merchandise from donors in the bike industry, San Francisco based companies, local businesses, photographers and even some donations from individual cyclists that wanted to support the cause.

Upstairs, the Silent auction quickly filled up with the near sold-out crowd of over 150 attendees. After drinks, appetizers, bidding and lots of socializing, MBP supporters headed down to the dining hall for Dinner.

Shortly after the start of dinner, Irish Greg from KFOG’s morning show welcomed guests and turned over the mic to Dustin Smith, Chair of the MBP Founders. Dustin gave an emotional acknowledgement to the outpouring of support to the cause and the energetic crowd in attendance. Lisa Bransten from SF Rec and Park was invited up to say a few words and reiterated the commitment from SFRPD to make MBP a reality. Will Aldrich, MBP Founders Co-Chair graciously thanked everyone for their donations and attendance, and made it clear that this bike park is for the kids of San Francisco. The neighborhoods surrounding McLaren Park have the most kids in the city, and many that are at-risk. MBP would serve as a positive outlet for these kids… A place for exercise, mentorship, growth, and FUN!

Dustin and Will welcomed Greg Minnaar to the event and up to the stage for the highlight of the evening: A little Greg vs. Greg.

Irish Greg just happens to be a “Roadie” and For those of you who don’t know, Greg Minnaar is the three time UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Champion. The type of riding they do couldn’t be more different. Questions were written submitted by the crowd earlier. In addition to the Q & A, the two Gregs took bike-related jabs at one another causing laughs and whistles from the crowd. A few personal questions made it into the mix… Video to be released shortly.

The volunteers were incredible! They kept our plates full, drinks flowing and even kept it fun in the kitchen! After dinner, everyone headed back up to check out the MBP Plans and make their final bids on silent auction items.

There were a bunch of great photo prints from local photographers, and signed photos of Greg Minnaar riding in San Francisco.

Tons of great bike parts and components.

There was a nice selection of frames and bikes.

A little something for everyone.

The night wrapped up with the live auction and the signed warriors ball won by none-other than Phil Segura himself!

Words can’t express what a great night it was. We raised a good chunk of change for the park. But the most amazing part was the coming together of all these cyclists of all different wheel sizes to show their support for this amazing cause and the kids of San Francisco.

A big THANK YOU you everyone who touched this event! 

Thank you to Lisa Bransten, Director of Partnerships at San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department for being there. Thank you to 3-time UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Champion and GamutUSA athlete Greg Minnaar for the intimate Q&A with our fabulous host, Irish Greg from KFOG. Thank you to Chema Hernandez Gil from the SF Bike Coalition. Thank you to Nick from PODER SF. Thank you to Laurel Harkness, IMBA’s Director for Northern California, who made a special trip to attend our event.

Thank you to MBP Founders and rideSFO Events and their amazing volunteers for feeding us and helping our auction happen. Thank you to Naked Juice, 21st Amendment Brewery and New Belgium Brewing Company, and La Sombra Juice for keeping us hydrated. Thank you to Wing Wings for the Appetizers. Thank you to Elevation Bike Co., Intense Cycles, Roaring Mouse Cycles, Cult Crew, GoPro, Stance Socks, Strava, Gamut USA, Mash SF, UNIONMADE, Sports Basement, Leatt Protectives, WD-40, Rumpl Blankets, The Center Studio, and Barfly for their silent auction donations. Thank you to Tyler Gourley, Dwight Eschliman and Brian Slaughter for donating photographic prints. Thank you to all the generous donors to our fundraiser! And thank you Bermstyle for their great photos from the event.

When we started planning #MBPdig2015 we knew this was a project whose time had come. Your generosity has gotten us one big step closer to riding this bike park.

What’s Next
This week is big. On Thursday we’re meeting with Supervisor Avalos’ office to explore potential funding opportunities. On Friday we learn whether we’ve received a grant from the Mary A. Crocker Trust.

What you can do
Tag your photos with #MBPdig2015 and share them with us on Facebook and Instagram.
If you couldn’t attend, it’s never too late to donate.

We’re just a pedal stroke away from building San Francisco’s First Bike Park! Thanks again to all the attendees for coming out and showing their support!