Hi all,
I just wanted to let everyone know about a great night for a great cause. If you happen to be in the New England area on Tuesday, November 10, we will be having the first annual James Woelfel Memorial United We Sk8 fundraiser. The Boston Winery venue is a beautiful spot and there will be a DJ, excellent food and drink, raffle prizes and a silent auction. I'd love to see any board members that are free and in the area!!
Thank you all again for your kind words and support over these past three plus months. You have no idea how much just having this board to come to has provided some comfort since my son passed.
Thanks also to Leon for allowing me to post this on the main page. Below is the write up that my wife put together for the event:
United We Sk8 is designed to challenge young individuals with special needs so that they may experience the pride, freedom and joy of therapeutic ice skating and hockey while achieving personal growth and gathering a feeling of success in a sports program usually out of their grasp.
These skating sessions were designed and coordinated for children with special needs. United We Sk8 includes children suffering with ADD/ADHD, nonverbal, spectrum, cerebral palsy and epilepsy conditions. Using simple exercises, children will learn the basics of skating at their own pace. Our experienced coaches use each child’s individual skills and abilities to tailor each individual lesson, which helps create a trust on the ice between professionals and students. Considering the diversities in every child, and with the encouragement from our volunteers, we ensure a comfortable, fun environment for children in our Adaptive Skating sessions. Those wishing to further their communal skating experience can move on the Blackstone Valley Bulldogs Hockey League.
This past June, our son James passed away. James suffered from a myriad of neurological and physical disabilities. He was a member of United We Sk8 and his experience with this organization imbued him with a sense of belonging and pride. We are forever grateful to these individuals for their time and efforts. The smile they brought to our son’s face will stay with us always and comforts us with our grief.
United We Sk8’s goal is to offer these programs to families and participants at NO cost. Ice time, props, awards, equipment, uniforms and teaching staff is completely cost free to these families, who are usually already bogged down with medical costs.
We are holding a fundraiser on November 10th at the Boston Winery. Here is the link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-jam...ts-18045248825 there will be raffle prizes and a silent auction, with some incredible items that have already been donated by many local businesses and friends. We are looking forward to a great turnout as we celebrate this great cause as well as the life of our amazing son. All proceeds will go to United We SK8 as we look to raise enough money so that we can keep this program cost free to families for the 2016 Season.
Sincerely,
Steven and Gina Woelfel
Cristina Yakimowsky – Founder and President of United We Sk8
Here are two pictures of the venue, along with James (the handsome young man on the right) during one of his first skating lessons and the patch that all participants will be wearing this season.
Best,
Steve