The Academy of Champions Artistic Skate Club of Cal Skate in Grand Terrace hosted its first inaugural toy drive and holiday show to benefit Spark of Love. Craig Lynde of San Bernardino County Fire coordinated with the rink and skate club to bring a much needed toy drive event to the Grand Terrace area. The fire department brought their truck out to the roller skating rink to fill it full of donated toys for children in need during the holiday season and all throughout the year. Those who brought an unwrapped toy to donate were treated with free admission, free skate rental and special holiday performances by the skate team, five of which are current US National Champions. Local artisans and crafters were on hand for those who wanted to do a little holiday shopping and support local small businesses. There were gift baskets up for auction that were provided by Colton Walmart, Home Depot, AutoZone, Panda Inn, Cal Skate, and realtor Kate Kalajak, as well as a 50-inch TV that was put up for raffle courtesy of Walmart. In the true spirit of giving, the raffle winner Bonnie Hendricks, then donated her new TV to the fire department to give to someone that could perhaps need it more than her. The spirit of giving was definitely contagious.
The event, which ran from 10 am to 1 pm on Sunday December 15th, collected 9 huge boxes full of toys. Families came out to teach their children a lesson in giving back and were able to enjoy a wholesome family activity together for free. For many, this event was their first experience at skating. It was the perfect day to start a new hobby, as there were plenty of people willing to help teach all the newcomers. Between performances, the artistic skate team joined the crowd for "ALL SKATE" and helped offer pointers. They even played Redlight, Greenlight on skates and helped the little ones along. It ended with a heartwarming Grand Finale performance that included all of the Academy of Champions skaters and students currently enrolled in the rink's Cal Skate University skate lesson program. The audience lined the rink from wall to wall to smile at the littlest skaters showing off their new skills, and gasp in amazement at the advanced skaters jumping, spinning, and soaring over head.
San Bernardino County Fire, Cal Skate, and the Academy of Champions Skate Team are looking forward to expanding this now annual event.