Fifth Annual Fundraiser a Success!
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(PROVIDENCE, R.I.) — The Rotunda Room at Cafe Nuovo was the setting for the fifth annual Skate For Joy fundraiser on Friday April 4, which raised over $30,000.00.   This unique non-profit organization is the only one of it’s kind in Rhode Island that teaches the U.S. Figure Skating basic skills program in figure skating and hockey to disadvantaged youth in a high quality, after-school program. A record 85 children, ages 3 to 16, and mostly from the city of Providence, were registered this past season.
Governor and Mrs. Carcieri served as Honorary Chairpersons. Live Auctioneer and TV personality Gene Valicenti gave generously of his time and talent, while getting supporters to bid high. Highlights included original artwork from Randy Stevens, a mixed media pastels called TAXI TAXI which sold for $1,800.00. Two sets of Red Sox tickets which went for $900.00 each. Dinner for eight, cooked in your home by the General manager of Ruths Chris Steak House, Kevin Gaudreau which sold for $1,400.00.
Founder and executive director, Carolyn Drumm, was thrilled to formally announce that the organization will be going state-wide next season with donated ice from Saint Georges School in Middletown, R.I. “This is an exciting opportunity to offer expensive sports like figure skating and hockey to low-income children from the greater Newport area” she said. ” After six long years of searching for inside, consistent ice to run our program, our prayers have finally been answered. We appreciate the generousity of St. George’s School as we strive to replicate the success we’ve had in Providence for the past six years.”
Skate For Joy also has a new office located at 76 Dorrance Street in downtown Providence. Be sure to check out the website at: www.skateforjoy.org.