Cold Ice, Warm Hearts

The eighth annual Katy’s Courage Skate-A-Thon returns to the rink at the Buckskill Winter Club in East Hampton on Sunday, February 10.

A large crowd is expected to gather in memory of Katy Stewart, an inspirational 12-year-old who passed away from pediatric liver cancer. Stewart’s friends, Annabel and Harriet DeGroot, began the winter fundraiser at their family’s business, in hopes of bringing awareness to the disease.

Katy’s Courage is a not-for-profit dedicated to supporting education, children’s bereavement support, and pediatric cancer research.

“Katy’s kind and heroic spirit brings us together to raise money and awareness for an amazing cause in her honor,” Harriet DeGroot said.

The day of icy fun begins with an hour-long skate class at 12:15 PM and public skating at 1:15 PM. The fundraiser officially kicks off with a Puck Throw at 3 PM, followed by a figure skating recital by coaches and participating kids at 3:30 PM. Lace your skates as the Skate-A-Thon itself takes place from 4:45 to 5:45 PM.

“Katy’s Courage fundraisers have always been a memorable and inspiring experience for me,” said Annabel DeGroot. The clubhouse will be “pinked out,” she added, representing Stewart’s favorite color and paying tribute to Stewart’s zest for life. “It is so impressive to see our community come together in support of an amazing cause and in remembrance of a beautiful, young soul. It is such a great feeling to be a part of something that is doing good so close to home,” she added.

A bake sale will be available for participants to enjoy, as well as a raffle drawing at 6 PM, followed by a hockey game (pre-registration required).

Stewart’s mother, Brigid Collins, said, “We are always so delighted and grateful to the DeGroots for sponsoring such a lovely day of skating,” said Katy’s mother, Brigid Collins. “They go out of their way to make it special. The day is full of different events. There’s really something for everyone. Even if you don’t skate, stop by to watch the ice show or pick up some homemade baked goods. It’s a wonderful day out for families.”

The rain date for the event is Sunday, February 17. The Buckskill Winter Club is located at 178 Buckskill Road in East Hampton. Call 631-324-2243 or visit www.buckskillwinterclub.com or www.katyscourage.org for more info.

nicole@indyeastend.com