Standard Skate-a-thon raises $25,000 for ice rink board installation
By John Watson Local Journalism initiative Reporter
Photo Courtesy of Celeste Christensen
Organizers estimate roughly $25,000 was raised over the course of the Standard Agricultural Society Skate-a-thon, which took place at the Standard-Rosebud indoor arena on Feb. 21.
Celeste Christensen, who volunteered to help organize the event, said donations raised were either flat sums, or were based on how many laps participants completed skating around the arena.
Over the course of the event, a total of 3,788 laps around the arena were skated.
“The skate-a-thon did really well two years ago, we made over $11,000, so I was hoping we we’re going to make over $15,000 this time,” said Christensen. “A few years ago, we started building our outdoor rink … we did fundraising and all that, now we still need to do more (fundraising) to be able to get the boards put up.”
The initial goal of $15,000 for this year’s skate-a-thon was put in place to have a goal that encouraged local skaters and donors to try and reach, one that was higher than the amount raised during the event two years ago. The goal was far exceeded.
Out of roughly 100 people who came out to participate, around 50 donned their skates and took to the ice, a turnout that was reportedly very similar to the last time the event was held.
“People had talked about it and were trying to figure out different ways to fundraise. We had done a raffle and it was okay, but it was a lot of work. This is much better because (the community is involved) and everybody has a really nice time,” said Christensen.
The outdoor rink project is the first of its kind in Standard, for which construction began several years ago. The boards are simply the next step in its completion.
The boards for the rink are expected to cost roughly $85,000 to purchase and install.
“We do get donations from our Lions throughout the community, and of course community members, and the Village donates a lot and helps out. But it’s like, if we’re going to get this done, we’re going to have to fundraise,” said Christensen. “We can’t just keep asking for money and not actually making an effort to try and raise the money ourselves as well.”
Christensen added the Village of Standard is also providing a loan for the project, but did not specify how much the loan would entail.
The boards are currently scheduled for installation in June, with the intent to pull the trigger and complete the work before the cost of the project continues to inflate.
“We might as well just do it because the price of the boards just keeps going up. This way it’s installed and it’ll be good for next year – the next winter season.”