Hundreds of skaters are expected to gather at the UNMC ice rink this weekend to raise money for Parkinson’s research. The event is open to skaters and non-skaters alike. The cost to participate is $15 per skater and includes skate rental.
The event was started Ted and Colleen Wuebben of Omaha. They hosted their own skate-a-thon for three years by flooding their back yard. In 2011, to grow the event to a larger scale, the event was moved to the UNMC Ice Rink.
Colleen was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2005 at the age of 52. She died in 2013 at the age of 60. The Wuebben family has kept her memory alive by continuing to hold the skate-a-thon every year.
Proceeds go toward clinical and basic science Parkinson’s research at UNMC and to Parkinson’s Nebraska, an organization committed to helping people in Nebraska and the surrounding areas who are affected by Parkinson’s disease.
Activities include non-stop music, a pajama skate, a dance party and yoga. Skaters can register or make a pledge to Parkinson’s Nebraska through their website, Eventbrite or on Facebook. To make a donation to the University of Nebraska Foundation to go toward Parkinson’s research at UNMC, click here.
The previous skate-a-thons have netted more than $190,000 in proceeds. The skating begins at 2:00 Friday afternoon near 42nd and Dewey and will continue through 2:00 Saturday afternoon.