By Darlene Brace
It’s the middle of winter, and maybe you are looking for some fun indoor activities to enjoy with your family and friends. If so, please consider participating in Aspire’s “On Ice” fundraising event that is taking place at the Northwest Arena on January 25th from 6-9pm. With an “On Ice” ticket, your admittance will include three hours of fun activities including ice skating, bumper car rides, and curling. Ice skates are included, but are limited and available on a first come, first serve basis. Your admission ticket will also include unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, coffee, and access to the tasty hot chocolate bar, all perfect for warming up during the event.
second time at the Northwest Arena. This exciting event aims to bring families
and friends together for an evening fi lled with fun winter festivities. In fact, a
similar event has been successfully held in Buffalo for the past six years. The
popularity of the Buffalo event (story on cover this week) inspired the organizers
to expand the celebration to Jamestown, where it was introduced last year.
The Aspire “On Ice” community event welcomes the public and returns for the second time at the Northwest Arena. This exciting event aims to bring families and friends together for an evening filled with fun winter festivities. In fact, a similar event has been successfully held in Buffalo for the past six years. The popularity of the Buffalo event (story on cover this week) inspired the organizers to expand the celebration to Jamestown, where it was introduced last year. The response from participants and attendees in Jamestown last year confirmed that the event was well-received, leading to the decision to host it again this year.
Aspire of Western New York is an agency that works with children and adults who have developmental disabilities, and it was created over seventy-five years ago. It was initially called the Cerebral Palsy Association of Western New York. It was founded in 1947 when a woman named Mary Moss learned that her son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. With the support of her community and friends, she helped establish this organization. Over the years, the name and the mission have evolved, and it became Aspire of Western New York in March of 2003. Most of the locations that house Aspire’s facilities were in the Buffalo area, but in 2005 an Aspire Administration Building opened on Fairmount Avenue in Lakewood, New York.
At Aspire, the mission is to provide services for both children and adults with developmental disabilities. They believe that everyone has the right to reach their full potential and live as independently as possible. Aspire’s staff develop individualized programs for those with developmental disabilities, which may include educational, vocational, and residential services, as well as coordination of other services to ensure a comprehensive approach. This makes Aspire of WNY one of the leading agencies in this field and a valuable resource for people with disabilities in our community.
Aspire hopes to increase awareness of its mission, and it raises some of its funding through community events like the “On Ice” fundraiser, which supports its initiatives. For more information about Aspire and its services, visit aspirewny.org. On the website, you will also see that there is a similar event scheduled at Buffalo Iron Works on January 23rd. Be sure to check the website for updates on this event and future activities and events as well.
Shana Kuras is Aspire’s Special Events and Employee Engagement Coordinator, and she is excited about this event returning to the Northwest Arena for a second year. Shana stated, “Aspire of Western New York’s ‘On Ice’ event is a celebration of community, inclusion, and the opportunity to support a meaningful cause. It’s also a fantastic way for families to enjoy an affordable, fun night out. It will include exciting activities like ice skating, curling, ice bumper cars, and that tasty hot chocolate bar, all while making a positive impact in the local community.”
If you and your family are searching for an enjoyable and entertaining way to spend an evening together, be sure to mark January 25th on your calendars. They invite you to join Aspire at the Northwest Arena for their “On Ice” event. As you attend, you’ll not only have a chance to enjoy the activities, but you’ll also be part of a community effort to raise funds for a meaningful cause. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with your neighbors, make new friends, and show support for a charity that is making a difference.
So, gather your family and friends, lace up your skates, and come share in a night of fun and community spirit.