Utah Community Rallies For Local Cyclist Fighting Cancer - Fundraiser to benefit Jeff Bates-Saturday, April 30, 2011

Salt Lake City, UT - A local hero in Salt Lake City’s cycling community will be the beneficiary of an upcoming fundraiser.  Jeff Bates, a bicycle industry professional, has recently discovered that the cancer he battled into remission several years ago has returned with a vengeance.  He now must fight melanoma for the second time, expenses are extraordinary, and his family needs financial assistance.  A tidal wave of support has begun from his friends, family and the surrounding community and will culminate in a fundraising event at The State Room on Saturday, April 30, 2011.

Bates has worked for more than 20 years in the bicycle industry encouraging now lifelong cyclists through advocacy, business to business, and retail relations at REI, Salty Peaks Skate & Snowboard Shop, Wild Rose Sports, and currently at Backcountry.com.  Bates is lauded for his deep knowledge of cycling history and culture as well as his unbridled enthusiasm for being in the outdoors.  To spend a day recreating with Bates on the slopes, trails, roads, or rivers is to experience the soul of the sport.  

“Jeff truly introduced me to the world of mountain biking,” says friend and former co-worker at Wild Rose Sports, Mike Newberry.  “All the time I’ve spent with Bates, on and off my bike, has made me a better person.  There are so many of these types of stories in our community-- all about how he has deeply touched peoples lives,” he added.

The Jeff Bates Melanoma Fundraiser has been established with the goal of assisting Bates and his family with the financial and emotional support they need during this difficult time in their lives.  Local businesses are encouraged to contribute donations to be auctioned at the event.  The public is invited to participate in this celebration, which will include live music performed by DJ Strange Daze, Honest Soul, and headliners Afro Omega (attendees must be 21 years of age).

What:   Jeff Bates Melanoma Fundraising Benefit Concert and Silent Auction
When:   Saturday April 30, 2011. Doors open with music and auction beginning at 7pm.
Where:  The State Room - 638 S. State Street – www.thestateroomslc.com
Beats:  Live Music featuring Afro Omega, Honest Soul, and Rare Groove Music by DJ Strange Daze.
Major Sponsors:  The State Room, Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective, Deseret Edge Brewery, Backcountry.com, Wild Rose Sports, Drake Bloebaum and slctourdefriends.org.

This event is supported by slctourdefriends.org, a project of the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective, a registered 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, to help cyclists in need.  Upon request, the Bicycle Collective will provide donors tax-deductible receipts for goods or services contributed.  More information and a current list of donors are available at www.jeffbatesmf.org and www.facebook.com by searching Jeff Bates Melanoma Fundraiser.

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