A Providence non-profit has been helping at-risk and inner city youth build self-esteem through the love of figure skating.
Skate for Joy holds a low- to no-cost after school program from December …
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A Providence non-profit has been helping at-risk and inner city youth build self-esteem through the love of figure skating.
Skate for Joy holds a low- to no-cost after school program from December to March that teaches participants the basic skills of skating at the Bank of America Skating Center.
On Sept. 26, Skate for Joy will hold its 10th Annual Gala at the Warwick Country Club. The cocktail party will have both a silent and live auction. Skate for Joy is looking for donations for their auctions. Carolyn Drumm, the executive director and founder of the program, said that items that sell really well are sports memorabilia and gift cards for services like massaging therapy.
Drumm, who was a professional ice skater, started the program 12 years ago. Local college figure skating teams volunteer with the program to act as role models for the children in the program.
“We are really big cheerleaders on the sidelines for these kids,” Drumm said.
Because skating can be such an expensive sport, Skate for Joy makes skating accessible to children 5 to 17 that may not have the opportunity otherwise. In 2010, Drumm began a beginner synchronized skating team that practices on Saturday mornings. Skating helps to teach perseverance and teamwork. Drumm said beyond the athletic aspect, sports also help kids perform better academically.
“The greatest thing is the first day everyone is white knuckling the boards, refusing to let go. Then in a week or two they are flying across the ice with smiles. You can just see their confidence grow every day. We give them an opportunity they have never received before,” Drumm said.
The gala is important to the funding for next year’s program and Skate for Joy truly appreciates any donation for their auction.
For more information on the program, the gala or to donate, visit www.skateforjoy.org.
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