Tom Daly Photography
It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas at the Main Street Arena in Charlottesville’s downtown mall! Nearly 100 Bigs, Littles, Family, and Friends came together to celebrate the season at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge’s holiday ice skating party this past Sunday afternoon.
This is the second time that Main Street Arena has hosted the Big Brothers Big Sisters’ holiday party. Jackie Bright, Executive Director of our Charlottesville office, says the venue is popular with Bigs and Littles because of its unique atmosphere. “It’s something special—a break from the normal routine. And having the event at the downtown mall helps introduce Littles to community activities, while giving them a chance to socialize with one another,” says Jackie.
The Arena certainly resembled a swinging social hall on Sunday, as Bigs and Littles took their turns on the ice amid giggles and encouraging cheers. And while we did have a few experienced ice skaters in attendance, most were new to the ice rink.
Tom Daly Photography
One Big braved the ice for the first time for her more experienced Little, although she did concede to keeping one hand securely on the railing. In an endearing example of how the Big Brothers Big Sisters program can be a two-way street, the supportive Little stepped up to fill the supportive role and protectively skated close to the railing in order to be near her Big. Never venturing far “in case she was needed to help,” the Little sweetly shouted words of encouragement and even offered her hand when her Big finally felt confident enough to let go of the railing. When asked later about her Big’s first time on the ice, the proud Little smiled from ear-to ear and reported that “she did pretty good.”
After party-goers worked up an appetite on the ice, they shared pizza in the café overlooking the rink. Between slices of pepperoni and cheese, Bigs and Littles alike swapped stories of how they fared on the ice. When asked what their favorite part of ice skating was, one relieved Little was quick to answer, “not falling!”
To top off ice skating adventures and pizza, Bigs and Littles were also invited to participate in a raffle for prizes. One lucky pair received two general admission passes to Wintergreen Resort!
Tom Daly Photography
Big Brothers Big Sisters was especially lucky to have Tom Daly, a local Charlottesville photographer, capture our Bigs and Littles in action on the ice. Please visit his work on our facebook page or his website.
This wonderful event wouldn’t have been possible without our very own Michael Heelan, who planned, organized, and coordinated this year’s holiday ice skating party. Michael has been a tremendous asset to the Big Brothers Big Sisters team, working as an Intern from our Charlottesville office. Without him, this event would not have been the success that it was. Thank you, Michael!
by Angelique Paul, Red Press, LLC
