Skate it Forward is a hockey tournament organized by Northwood’s community service group CARE as a fundraiser for an organization dedicated to the first responders of 9/11, the Ray Pfeifer Foundation.
The Ray Pfeifer Foundation assists September 11th first responders, firefighters and police with medical needs not covered by insurance.
The event was originally a charity pond hockey tournament called Pink the Pond and in recent years was indoors at the Olympic Center and called Pink the Rink. Previously, all proceeds went to breast cancer research and other related causes.
“The reason why we switched [the name of the event] from Pink the Rink to Skate it Forward is because we feel the need to donate to an organization that needs more attention given today’s circumstances,” said Morgan Broderick ‘19, one of the event’s organizers. The money raised at the tournament this year will support the unforeseen medical needs of the first responders.
Anyone is able to participate in Skate it Forward, as there are both competitive and non-competitive divisions. Teams will consist of four to seven players, and the cost will be approximately $25 per team. In the previous years, many Northwood hockey players and skiers participated in the event. This year, there will be a lot of locals joining as well, including a team from Saranac Lake which will be led by Zach Ellsworth ‘20, another consisting of the local girls’ hockey team, and even some faculty children will get in on the action. “We expect a lot of people to just have fun and to become more aware of the cause we’re donating for this year,” said Broderick.
According to the charity’s website, “The Ray Pfeifer Foundation is dedicated to assisting September 11th first responders, firefighters and police, with medical needs not covered by insurance. The foundation was established in memory of Ray Pfeifer, a NYC firefighter who died on May 28, 2017 from 9/11 cancer. Ray never stopped putting the needs of others before his own. He was a leading force in lobbying to extend the Zadroga Act through 2090, ensuring health care coverage for 75,000 people who need, or will need, treatment for health conditions developed as a direct result of 9/11 exposure.” Northwood graduate Rob Serra ‘97 is on the Board of Directors of the foundation and was an 11-year veteran of the New York Fire Department before retiring due to 9/11 related illnesses.
Skate it Forward will be held on the Olympic Center at the Jack Shea 1932 Rink from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM on Sunday, March 24th. Gift baskets will be auctioned and baked goods will be sold. To enter a team or to volunteer, email morgan.broderick@northwoodschool.com for the sign-up form. Sign-ups close March 20th.
