Skate-a-thon for Parkinson’s set for Jan. 10-11

The ice show must go on.

Even though Colleen Wuebben, the driving force behind the UNMC Skate-a-thon for Parkinson’s, passed away 10 months ago, the fourth annual event will continue on Jan. 10-11 at the UNMC Ice Rink.

“There was never a doubt,” said Ted Wuebben, Colleen’s husband. “Colleen loved the Skate-a-thon. She knew how meaningful it is to families fighting Parkinson’s disease and how it gives them hope. She made it very clear that she wanted it to continue after she was gone.”

See sidebar at right for registration or sponsorship information.

Colleen died on Feb. 13. She was 60.

Schedule of events (Schedule is subject to change) Friday, Jan. 10 Noon: Kickoff – Skating begins 3:30-4 p.m.: After-school snack to be given to all skaters 4:30 p.m.: Opening ceremonies 6 p.m.: DJ Jake Ryan will serve as emcee 8 p.m.: Dance Party on the ice 10:30 p.m.: “Thrift Shop” giveaway 11 p.m.: Pajama Skate Saturday, Jan. 11 Midnight: Halfway there photo and midnight munchies 1 a.m.: Shiver Skate 6 a.m.: Sunrise Skate 11:30 a.m.: Closing ceremonies

The 24-hour event will run from noon on Jan. 10 to noon on Jan. 11. To accommodate people who will just be getting off work, an opening ceremony will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 10. Closing ceremonies will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 11.

This year’s Skate-a-thon will feature a couple of new wrinkles:

• Four skaters, including a retired dentist, are planning to skate the entire 24 hours.
• In an effort to increase fundraising, teams of skaters will be registered this year with several of the teams having at least one team member on the ice throughout the event. A prize will be awarded to the team raising the most money.

The previous three skate-a-thons at UNMC netted more than $110,000.

Proceeds go toward clinical and basic science Parkinson’s research at UNMC and the PHD Program (Parkinson’s Health Development), a non-profit, local program that offers affordable exercises and activities to improve quality of life for persons with Parkinson’s.

The public is invited to attend and participate. Cost is $10 for individuals. The registration fee includes skate rental and ice access. People can skate as long as they wish.

The UNMC Ice Rink is located east of 42nd Street, about halfway between Dewey Avenue and Emile Street. A heated tent will allow skaters and spectators a place to stay warm. There also will be hot drinks, food and snacks. DJs and guest emcees will keep the event moving, as skaters groove to continual music.

The Wuebbens came up with the idea for the Skate-a-thon in 2008. Prior to moving the event to UNMC in 2011, they flooded their back yard and held the event at their home for the first three years. Colleen was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2005 at the age of 52.