News from the Delta-Greely Skating Association
The 4th Annual Dinner/Auction Gala is set for Saturday, November 17th, 2007 at the Moose Lodge on Jack Warren Road. We have a lot of wonderful gift items already for the auction and the food includes pig. Even though the theme is Hawaiian, you won’t see the whole pig. Tickets at $25.00 per plate will be available at Granite View Sports on October 31st, 2007. Only 100 tickets will be available so if you are interested in a very entertaining and fun evening, be sure to get your seats. We promise you a large variety of unique gift items that would make for wonderful Christmas presents, games of chance, and just a lot of wholesome fun.
For all the new people in our community, the Delta-Greely Youth Skating Association is a non-profit organization designed to develop hockey and figure skating skills in our youth from ages 4 to 14. The Association provides more than just certified coaches. With funds from the past three Galas and revenue from DREDC and the City of Delta Junction, the Association has purchased 45 hockey and figure skating kits that are leased to a skater for the season. The kits are for introducing the game to the skater and make this winter activity more affordable to the family. As of October 30, 2007, 26 kits have been issued so there are more available if your skater is still interested in playing this season. To register, call the registrar, Dawn Grossmann at 895-1910.
What else do we do? The Association uses a City building and with the volunteer efforts of many, the Association maintains a facility with lights, heat and ice. For those who don’t know, the ice is available for classroom skating, private parties, community skating on Sunday (this year we hope to include some Saturday nights), youth, adult and High School practices and games and tournaments. Last year, the City of Delta helped with the increase in fuel and electric costs. The City also covers the liability expenses of the building.
How does the Association pay for operation costs for a skating season? Revenue from the youth programs comes from registration and with the volunteer efforts of the families, revenue is generated from recycling cans, concession stand sales, hosting Community skate, skate a thon, tournaments and the dinner/auction Gala. Eighty-five percent (85%) of the revenue that funds operation costs comes from our Community’s Businesses and Individuals through Sponsorships, donations, gift items for the auction and their presence at the Gala.
Where are we going with this program? The Association would like to increase youth program participation and Community use of the rink. Perhaps someday, there will be appropriate matting to accommodate indoor soccer, nets for basketball and a stage for performances. With the new improvements to the arena, there are lots of future possibilities. But for now, we are gearing up to skate.