The Sophie Skate-A-Thon has been the primary fundraiser for Sophie’s Giving Tree. For 2019 we will be fundraising online in place of the skate-a-thon. Please visit our Donate page to make a donation.
HISTORY OF THE SKATE A THON
The first annual Sophie Skate-a-Thon was held in October 2012 at Shove Park in Camillus. We had a very successful event and were able to raise over $11,000 all of which was donated directly to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF). As the event was so successful we decided we wanted to do another one the following year however, we wanted the money to stay more local. Now each year we continue to target our efforts for the annual Sophie Skate-a-Thon to raise money for Sophie’s Giving Tree. Using the money we raise we are able to donate money to research a cure for pediatric brain tumors, provide medical binders for families with children who are diagnosed with a brain tumor, provide gas and meal cards to families, host community dinners for families at Upstate Golisano, provide entertainment to children and their families during their stay, help families financially, sponsor coffee one day a week assist with travel costs if needed and more. We also are able to provide gas cards for families with babies in the NICU at Crouse Hospital as well as provide new toys and supplies for the therapists to use in the NICU to help the babies develop. Each year we hope to have an even bigger turnout and are very excited to share with everyone what we have been able to do with their help.
SUPPORTING THE SKATE A THON
As you know, financial support is extremely important to any charitable organization, and Sophie’s Giving Tree relies on donations to provide services to families in a medical crisis that are greatly needed. The Sophie Skate-a-Thon attracts more attendees each year, but we depend on the added support of our friends in the business community who supply us with exciting raffle items. We are currently accepting items to raffle off at our 2018 event. If you or someone you know would like to help please contact us. We also have a sponsorship opportunities as well. We would greatly appreciate any donations to help us carry out a successful event.
It is a win/win situation. We benefit from your donation and you receive the goodwill that comes as a result of your generosity.
In the past the event was widely recognized and gained the attention of the Central New York community through coverage on YNN news on Time Warner Cable. Event sponsors were also advertised on our website, t-shirts and at the event. This is something we will continue to do.
Our organization’s ability to continue to operate is due in large part to the generous support of individual donors who believe in our mission, as well as gifts from businesses and corporations. As stated above, Sophie’s Giving Tree is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization. For tax purposes our EIN number is 46-3083925.
Thank you for being a part of this years Sophie Skate-a-Thon. With your help we are certain to have a successful event. We are very excited to raise funds for Sophie’s Giving Tree and to be able to help support the families in our community and help research a cure.
Brain Tumors are one of the deadliest forms of childhood cancer, some having survival rates of less than 20%. Pediatric brain tumors are much different than adult brain tumors. For this reason, research specific to pediatric brain tumors is even more important to find appropriate treatments and a cure for this heartbreaking disease. Therefore a portion of the money raised at the Sophie Skate-A-Thon will be donated to pediatric brain tumor research. Together, perhaps we can help find a cure.