KINGSTON, R.I — December 15, 2004 — About 75 children and 40 adults visited with Santa Claus and members of the University of Rhode Island women’s hockey team at URI’s Boss Arena on Dec. 5.
Not only did the kids and Santa have a great time, the event raised $400 for the club program. Youngsters talked with Santa, sipped hot chocolate, munched cookies and had a chance to skate with URI women’s hockey players, some of whom enjoyed themselves as Santa’s elves.
“It was so successful that we look forward to it becoming an annual event,” said women’s hockey coach Beth McCann. “The team is responsible for all its operating expenses. Events like this give us the opportunity to raise much needed funds. The players were great interacting with the children and giving them a few skating tips along the way.
“Events like this are great for our team and the community,” said McCann, a Westerly resident. “I ask a lot of my players and they are always willing to perform any task. The success of this event clearly shows that the Boss arena is a great asset to the University of Rhode Island.”
While Santa chatted with children, a few of his elves took pictures so they could be sent to their families by email.
Alysa Coleman, a junior member of the women’s ice hockey team, said: “It was great to see so many young kids skating at the Boss Arena. Fundraisers like this are fun. “We thank everyone who came out to support it.”
Lauren Marx, a senior at URI and captain of the team added: “It’s amazing to see the enthusiasm of the youth in this community. Our team loves the opportunity to help children skate around this arena.”