MCHL Heroes- by Ted Wuebben

I told someone the other day when I started hockey, I watched (much like a child) as you MCHL players walked out of the locker room toward the ice and the benches...no sound under the skates, just a soft squeak from the rubber mats....but a distinct air about them, almost warrior-like on their march to do battle. Wow, if only I could learn enough so I could walk in my skates without buckling my ankles or waffling back and forth! Never did I realize the fabulous people that filled those skates.

It was very apparent this past weekend at the PHD SkateAThon. The entire 24 hours was filled with skaters, but Friday night was special. 40-60 teammates friends and foes crowded the deck to watch others do epic battle in ten minute 3 on 3 games.

The enthusiasm and sportsmanship of hockey would be hard to match anywhere. BUT what will never be matched is the generosity of the MCHL players in donating to the PHD Program. As Colleen and I sat on our bed to record and count money, I was overcome with emotion not only with the money aspect- but the participation of those who gave. So many of you, if not 100% of those who attended ( and many who did not) donated from their wallets and their hearts...all I (we) can say is Thank YOU,,,maybe now I know why you walk with such an air about you, it has nothing to do with the skates.

Winning the Weather Lottery

Working in the rain tonight, unstringing the tiny lights that added so much ambiance in the tent on the deck during the party, I realized something - (other than the fact that it can't be legal to write that many pronouns in one sentence) We should be buying lottery tickets, we are so lucky!

In case you aren't as hard-wired into analyzing the weather with an eye toward outdoor skating, let me remind you ... last Friday morning, as we ran errands to prepare, we listened nervously to forecasts that the fog would lift and give way to sunshine and high 30's by noon. Which spelled Disaster with a capital D for 24 hours of good ice for us. Thankfully, the fog kept the temps down and the sun away longer, and the whole ice rink was perfect for the 6 pm start ( in the photo I am cutting the Grand Marshall's ribbon with my skate blade!) Late into the wee hours Friday night this tent was packed with happy people watching hockey, because it was comfortable- cold, but not windy or wet, and the frosting glistening on the trees was magic.. and then Saturday dawned sunny and stayed perfect for the brave souls and energetic kids outside all day. In short, the conditions could not have been more perfect-- for the whole 24 hours!

Just a few hours later on Sunday morning as we sat in the hottub, Ted and I almost didn't recognize the place... misty clammy air, standing water on the rink, the trees look barren and wet and dull- not a trace of magic!

Faced with predictions of rain and ice tonight, we dropped off our son Daniel at the airport, hoping to get back to NYC, and waved goodbye as daughter Michaela and her husband and 3 sons (all under4!) left driving for Duluth ahead of the storm. What a difference a few days make!

So for 2 weeks before (remember our venture well below Zero?) and the days since, there have never been another 24 hours that a SkateAThon would have worked! So now as we take the tent down before the coming ice does it for us- we shake our heads at our incredible luck....How much is that powerball up to now>??

SkateAThon 2010 Rocks!

If a picture is worth a thousand words, we would need a huge file of photos to really capture the heart moving moments, the generous giving, the fun skating, the unique late-night hockey experience and comraderie of this 24 hour event. First few shown here: the crowd that was here at 5 pm, on the deck / then the crowd here for the final lap and toast at 6 pm Saturday, raising our stick in celebration/ happy MCHL skaters after one of the many 3 0n 3 games skated Friday night/ Colleen & Ted with Cookes and Hancocks.

As I am still challenged by the technical issues and interface of computer files- one of my children will create a public photo album on Facebook and Snapfish, so you can scope out the panorama of fun.

So many people have asked "How did you do on the SkateAThon?" So here is a partial answer-

Funds raised online- blog button $3,840.

Funds raised on site at the event $ 4,732.

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an astonishing $ 8,572.00 !! ( and more arriving each day)

People in attendance: 286 +

Our funds raised will be shared between the start of the PHD Program locally and the Michael J Fox Foundation...and most importantly, Every donation will help create hope and options for the individuals and families affected by Parkinson's Disease- so we salute all of you by raising our sticks in celebration again!

The Day After

The above photo comes as an explanation and serves as an apology for my delay in getting full results and photos posted for the SkateaThon. That group, posed in front of a Zamboni at Motto ice rink, is our clan.

In discussions at Thanksgiving, I let them know that with developing the PHD Program and planning the SkateAThon, that shopping for Christmas just wouldn't fit in...refer again to the size of the group. Graciously, they all understood and agreed to wait. Every one of them were here for, and played such a big part in, the great success of our adventure.

So today, tired relieved and joyful, our 5 children ( from Omaha, Duluth and New York City)

their wonderful spouses and 10 grandchildren gathered for Christmas dinner and gift exchange.

The living room was almost as loud as it was during the packed event the night before!

So our 'blogging, planning, ice rink creation' hats were exchanged for Grandma Colleen and Daddy T for today...cleaning up, cooking dinner ( huge roast that was a gift from Doug & Amy, that was so big, Ted joked it should have come with a saddle!) and we enjoyed each other and the other gifts. Although I inexplicably lost one package...and grandson Oscar helped me look for it until we gave up...so that means one more shopping trip to go.

We did have over 270 people sign in and have totaled well over $8,000! And now I have 455 pictures to sort through and share...I promise not to lose those for you. Tune in tomorrow.

24 Hours Complete!

This could not have been a more successful and fun event- we are both overwhelmed with the response...from those who attended, provided great food, all the many skaters, the Grand Marshall, to the perfect weather, our great neighbors, and the laughter joy and and the donor's amazing genorosity...We are so grateful.



And among our blessings was the chance to witness the complete dedication of our children, siblings and Mickey- to every detail over every minute....It was Awesome! Will post results within a day ....but when we get to add up the number of people who came and funds raised, I think it will confirm what WE already know- SkateAThon 2010 was successful beyond our wildest dreams...again, Thank You!



But wait...speaking of dreams, I am not even really awake....I just came out for a glass of juice- Back to bed.
" I in my kerchief and Papa in his cap...have just settled down for a long winter nap."

Day 1 - Check

(For all you hockey fans, no pun intended)

What a spectacular 1st day!! The weather stayed below freezing all of Friday. We had over 200 people cycle through the house on Friday night / Saturday morning! Family, friends, family of friends, friends of family and neighbors. Even those who didn't skate took the time to learn how or just to watch. And to get warm we had plenty of food, drinks and games. Our raffle winner took home a 1 hour massage and another lucky winner received 2 tickets to the Symphony for Saturday night.

Dad's hockey friends started arriving around 11pm, but needed to wait for ice clean up. The storm of 40 were bouncing around on the deck like little kids on Christmas morning, itching to open their gifts. For the next 2-3 hours, they kept the ice warm -- don't worry, not too warm -- with their 3 on 3 games.

Still later in the night-- er, early this morning -- Emily, Mark and Johnny celebrated their birthdays with 30 of their closest friends. More one-handed hockey kept the rink filled with skaters as we completed the first 1/2 of the Skate-A-Thon.

For those of you on the Mickey watch, she's still going stro-.......well, she's still awake. Note the clock picture at 1:42 AM documenting such insanity!

So we enter Day 2 having raised over $5,000! Thanks to all of you who came by last night, who have donated time, money, energy, food and support. We couldn't have done this without each of you!

There is still time for you to stop by on Saturday. With the warmer weather predicted this afternoon, kids would be a welcome addition on the ice. Let's hope the forecast was a bit off and we can stay below freezing for another day!

On The Eve

Tonight's last minute preparations and announcments, and some photos:

1) Parking on our street is limited- So there will be a shuttle to and from St Leo's parking lot on the corner of 102 and Blondo. Come to our house to drop your passengers off if desired, then park on the west side of that lot, near Blondo. Or simply park in the lot with your lights on so the van can fiind you. The shuttle van will loop every 5 minutes Friday night, and have walkie talkie communication with each other. Someone will be in our driveway giving directions,.

2) Due to the warm temps, later Sat. afternoon, (2-4?)we may need to plan on only small children skating much for a few afternoon hours, to avoid getting the ice too soft.

On to the fun stuff- today was full of Nacho Average Party Preparations. The photos include

Mickey sweeping snow/ David Cooke and Ted putting up the tent, and using a propane heater to dry the criveway !??) Brother Phil from Phoenix shoveling snow/ trying out a mini- zamboni / Colleen Still working on the goal / Jenny & Jolly Molly's fabulous Skate Cookies are here!

Post a comment if you have questions- we'll check hourly...Wish us luck, please.