By Kate Bartlett
Winterval returns to Riverworks in Buffalo for its 5th year to benefit Aspire of Western New York on Thursday, January 23 from 5:30-8:30pm. This annual event is a family-friendly all-inclusive celebration of Winter including ice skating, curling, hot chocolate and more. Tickets include activities, dinner and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages with cash bar available.
Winterval was started 5 years ago as an alternative winter event to Aspire of WNY’s annual Ski in the Valley at Holiday Valley. “We were looking for something that would be more inclusive to the populations we serve,” says Shana Kuras, Events Coordinator for Aspire. “Not all of the people we support can ski, so we decided to do and ice-skating event with adaptive equipment so anyone can participate.”
The event has been a hit since its inception, not only raising funds to support Aspire of WNY, but in celebration of the winter season itself. Tickets include 2 hours of ice skating, curling, full dinner buffet, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, including coffee and hot chocolate and cash bar available. There’s also a basket raffle with great prizes including a Dawson Knox signed helmet. “Riverworks is such a great venue,” says Shana. “There’s so much to do here. Even if you’re not out on the ice, it’s fun to people watch and hang out.”
Greater Buffalo Adaptive Sports will provide adaptive equipment so individuals of all abilities can participate. “It’s important to us that this event be inclusive,” says Shana. “It’s great to see guests of all ages and abilities have fun on the ice together.”
complex for skating, hockey, curling & concerts with dining, bars &
concessions. It is located at 359 Ganson St, Buffalo, NY 14203. They can be
reached by calling (716) 342-2292, or visit their website: buffaloriverworks.com
The event is open to the public with ticket proceeds to benefit Aspire of WNY, serving programs that directly support the community. Aspire has been serving Western New York for over 75 years supporting people of all intellectual and developmental disabilities in all aspects of life from school-age through adult with services including schooling, residential, respite, day services and more. They operate under the mission “we believe children and adults with developmental disabilities have the right to realize their full potential and live as independently as possible.”
Aspire of WNY hosts a similar event, On Ice, at the Northwest Arena in Jamestown the following Saturday, January 25 from 6-9pm (you can read about that in this edition as well). This event is similar to Winterval as it includes 2 hours of ice skating (with skate rental), curling, dinner, and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, but it also includes ice bumper cars.
Shana describes the event as a fun, laid-back family-friendly celebration of the winter season. “It’s a great evening of winter fun for a great cause. We invite everyone to come out and participate in this community celebration!”
For more information visit aspirewny.org/Winterval or email skuras@aspirewny.org. Tickets are $35/adult, $20 ages 5-10 (under 5 free) and available online until January 22. Tickets will be available at the door at $40/adult at Riverworks located at 253 Ganson Street in Buffalo.