This fall, the Milwaukee Bicycle Collective – with help from Potawatomi Bingo casino’s Miracle On Canal Street and OnMilwaukee.com – launched a contest for Milwaukee kids.

The contest required kids, ages seven to 17, to write an essay and draw a picture about some aspect of biking. There were more than 80 submissions and 15 winners were chosen to receive brand new bikes, helmets, locks and lights. Fifteen runners-up received helmets, locks and lights.

Tonight, the winners were awarded their bikes and gear at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 3022 W. Wisconsin Ave., by staff members and volunteers from OnMilwaukee.com, Potawatomi and the Bicycle Collective.

It was a heartwarming ceremony complete with proud parents, excited kids and lots of photo opportunities for all.

"I couldn’t believe it when I got the call that my daughter had won," says one mom.

Every year, Potawatomi Bingo Casino raises funds for Miracle on Canal Street through a series of special bingo games. The generosity of casino guests, vendors, media partners and team members has allowed the program to grow each year.

This year, Potawatomi chose OnMilwaukee.com as a Miracle On Canal signature media partner. OnMilwaukee.com's charity of choice is the Milwaukee Bicycle Collective.

"We've put a lot of work into reinventing our kids program, remodeling our work space, putting on this contest, and promoting the heck out of everything from parties to races," says Jason McDowell of OnMilwaukee.com and the Milwaukee Bicycle Collective. "As a result I believe we've got the strongest group of volunteers we've ever had and the Bike Collective has been in it's strongest position it's ever been in. And I hope this is just the beginning."