Kelly Saiz
News Editor
Tonight, Friday, Feb. 4 marks the third annual Free Skate fundraiser for the girls hockey team. Benefactors who purchase the ten dollar ticket, will be welcome to Terry Conners Ice Rink in Stamford from 6:30-8:00 p.m. to participate in a variety of activities including skating and the “chuck-a-puck” competition at the end of the evening.
Sophomore team member Olivia Hompe said the fundraiser is a fun family event and noted the range of benefits the team, not funded by NCPS, derives from its proceeds. “It helps us with everything from the purchase of jerseys, matching equipment and ice time,” she said. Free Skate organizer and team mother Mrs. Kathy Campbell added that the money will pay for referees. “It [the fundraiser]helps so parents don’t have to pay.”
According to Olivia, a bigger turnout is expect for this year’s fundraiser as pre-sale ticket prices have increased. She said the larger crowd will be met by expanded fundraising efforts. “I think the fundraiser will be better this year,” Olivia said. “We have a bigger bake sale and a lot of great door prizes such as a Kindle, iPad, and a $50 gift certificate to Tony’s Deli.”
“They [Free Skate participants] have a lot of fun on the ice. There will be great music, excellent door prizes, lots of bake sale goods, and chuck-a-puck,” Mrs. Campbell said. The chuck-a-puck contest, now a fundraiser tradition, allows participants to buy numbered pucks, throwing them into the center of the rink from its exterior. The puck closest to the center wins.
Mrs. Campbell and several other team mothers have been planning the event for a month while the student athletes have been selling tickets individually. “We try to help everyone sell tickets,” Olivia said. “There is a team quota as well as an individual quota.”
Tickets can be purchased at the door this evening and skate rental costs three dollars. “I hope everyone comes to support the girls and have a fun time,” Mrs.Campbell said.
