Town asks ‘Ice for Kids’ to raise more money

“Ice for Kids” supporters broke into applause Monday night when town council gave unanimous approval to proceed with the second indoor ice surface adjacent to Memorial Arena and the Sportsplex.
But it came with a catch. A $250,000 catch.
The town has asked “Ice for Kids” to raise another quarter-million dollars towards the new arena–even though the group already raised more than $575,000 in pledges just two years ago.
But “Ice for Kids” co-chair Les Baker stressed they won’t be hitting up people for more donations anytime soon.
“We had a little meeting and we looked back at all the people who supported us after we jumped hurdle after hurdle but we won’t ask for anything until we see the ground broke and progress on the project,” he said yesterday afternoon.
“Right now, people are fed up, but I’m optimistic we will be able to raise the money,” he added.
Co-chair Dave Egan felt this latest request by council was yet another “hurdle” they will have to overcome.
“We are somewhat maxed out right now but it’s not the first hurdle we’ve had,” he remarked. “We will be preparing a presentation to make to council definitely by their next meeting [May 25].”
Egan said the money will have to come in a form of a fundraising venture. But while several ideas have been bandied about, he refused to disclose those options until they have been discussed with council.
He also said they definitely won’t try to raise money in the forms of pledges although he hinted getting corporate donations was an option.
Still, Baker said he’s ecstatic the second rink will be built although he predicted it wouldn’t be ready until June, 2000–not nearly in time for this coming minor hockey season.
Egan also was relieved the project is finally coming to fruition.
“My own personal feeling is there is still a feeling of excitement and enthusiasm and that we put away some of the frustrations and be positive,” he said.
“The mayor said he expected it to be built in the [middle] of 2000 but I hope it’s a lot sooner than that,” he noted. “The biggest problem may be the ordering of steel and we may be on the backburner.”