Councilman Harvey Sohmer, President of Fort Lee's Education Foundation, and Angela Saurman, its treasurer, presented plaques to Art Agresta, Chairman and CEO of Benzel Busch in Englewood, and Nelson and Joanna Gutierrez, owners of Strictly Bicycles in Fort Lee, in recognition of their support of the Foundation's annual Tour de Fort Lee.

The Fort Lee Education Foundation supports programs throughout the Fort Lee Public School System that are not supported with public funds. The Foundation has supplied classrooms with equipment and technology, sponsors lecturers and speakers, and supports Arts programs by hosting workshops in classical, opera and chamber music.

The Tour de Fort Lee is the Foundation's largest fundraising event. Having completed its 7th year, the Tour de Fort Lee consists of a 2 mile walk, a 5 mile bicycle ride and a competitive .9 mile Criterium bike race on Abbott Boulevard.

Fort Lee Deputy Chief, Tim Ford, an avid cyclist, not only participates in the Tour de Fort Lee, but he developed the routes used during the variouses races.

The Fort Lee Education Foundation raised more than $20,000 in 2012.

"The majoirity of people who comprise the Fort Lee Education Foundation are Fort Lee alumni and retired Fort Lee teachers," Sohmer said.

"This race could not be the success it is without the support of our sponsors, the Fort Lee Mayor and Council, the Fort Lee Police Department and the DPW," Sohmer added.

Saurman said that in addition to Benzel Busch and Stictly Bicycles, other sponsors include the Bank of New Jersey, Mariner's Bank, Fort Lee Wendy's, Fort Lee Redevolpment Associates and Mayor Mark Sokolich.

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