The 2015 UNMC Skate-a-thon for Parkinson’s will be held on Jan. 23 and 24.
The event, which will be held in memory of event founder Colleen Wuebben, will run from noon Jan. 23 to noon Jan 24. Proceeds go toward clinical and basic science Parkinson’s research at UNMC and the Parkinson’s Health Development Program, a non-profit, local program that offers affordable exercises and activities to improve quality of life for persons with Parkinson’s.
See sidebar at right for registration or sponsorship information.
Schedule of events
Jan. 23
- Noon: Skating and countdown begins
- 1 to 2 p.m.: Lunchtime Laps
- 3 p.m.: Afterschool snack
- 5 p.m.: Official opening
- 8 p.m.: Dance Off on Ice (all included)
- 10 p.m.: Pizza and Pajama Skate
- 10:30 p.m.: Thrift shop Giveaway
- Midnight: Halfway through photo and countdown check in
Jan. 24
- 1 a.m.: Shiver Skate
- 2 a.m.: Fire and Ice Hour
- 3 to 6:30 a.m.: Open skating
- 6:30 a.m.: Sunrise yoga
- 8 a.m.: Time to make the donuts
- 9 a.m.: Dance Party continues
- 10 a.m.: Hockey Player Special
- 11 a.m.: Final hour festivities
To accommodate people who will just be getting off work, an opening ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. on Jan. 23. Closing ceremonies will be held at 11 a.m. on Jan. 24.
This year’s Skate-a-thon will feature:
- For the third straight year, Jeremy Maskel, anchor/reporter for NewsWatch Seven (KETV) will emcee the opening ceremony.
- Montez, on-air radio personality for KISS-FM (96.1) will emcee the closing ceremony.
The previous four skate-a-thons at UNMC netted more than $130,000.
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. She died in 2013 at the age of 60.