Event & Arena News

Skate for Hope, the Columbus, Ohio-based premier figure skating event that benefits breast cancer research and awareness, today announced the cast of the show’s sixth-anniversary production, scheduled for 5:00 p.m., Saturday, June 20, 2009, at Nationwide Arena.

The not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization donates proceeds to the Stephanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research at The James Cancer Center and Solove Research Institute at The Ohio State University , as well as the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer in Ft. Wayne, IN. Since its founding in 2004, Skate for Hope has raised over $215,000 for breast cancer research, with an additional $50,000 anticipated in 2009.

Skate for Hope is the brainchild of its founder and president, Carolyn Bongirno. An adult amateur figure skater, Bongirno created Skate for Hope after her own successful battle with breast cancer at the age of 33. “Year after year, Skate for Hope continues to gain momentum. Because of our reputation within the figure skating world and the generosity of numerous corporate sponsors, not to mention the support and encouragement of scores of breast cancer survivors, Skate for Hope has been able to attract top-notch talent in the form of figure skating’s best, and most hopeful, athletes. Skate for Hope’s 2009 headliners are comprised of the sport’s preeminent competitors.”

Skate for Hope features a unique combination of elite skating stars, including several expected 2010 winter Olympians, and 100 amateur skaters from the central Ohio area. All local participants earn their spot in the cast raise by raising funds for breast cancer research.

Headliners for the 2009 production of Skate for Hope include:
- Keauna McLaughlin & Rockne Brubaker, 2008 & 2009 National Champions & World Team members
- Brooke Castile & Ben Okolski, 2007 National Champions & World Team Members
- Emily Samuelson & Evan Bates, 2009 US National Silver Medalists & World Team Members
- Rachael Flatt, 2009 US National Silver Medalist & World Team Member
- Ryan Bradley, 2007 US National Silver Medalist & World Team Member
- Emily Hughes, 2006 Olympian
- Parker Pennington, US Intermediate, Novice & Junior National Champion
- Kiri Baga, 2009 US National Novice Ladies Champion
- Jenny Needham, Adult National Champion

Tickets are on sale on-line and at all Ticket Master locations. Lower bowl seats begin at $15.00. Tickets are available at the door and the Nationwide Arena box office. Please visit skateforhope.org for more information.