Rady Children’s Ice Rink fundraiser returns for its 27th season – eighth in Liberty Station – in the Central Promenade of the Arts District beginning Thursday, Nov. 16 and closing Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024.

Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, in partnership with the NTC Foundation, invites friends and family to join in the winter tradition of ice skating at one of San Diego’s most picturesque locales. Net proceeds from the rink during its 7 1/2-week run will benefit the Thriving After Cancer program in the Rady Children’s Hospital’s Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.

Tickets, which include skate and helmet rental, can be purchased on-site or online and are $20 for adults, and $15 for children. Discounted tickets for members of the military are $15 with the presence of a valid ID. The ice rink will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

“The Rady Children’s Auxiliary is once again committed to supporting the annual Rady Children’s Ice Rink, a staple event in our community,” said Michele Fisher, president, of Rady Children’s Auxiliary. “The program focuses on providing patients, who have completed their cancer treatments and their families the tools and education they need. I hope you can join us at the Ice Rink this holiday season because your support will help hundreds of families in our region.”

Alex Loker, vice president of philanthropy for Rady Children’s Hospital, talked about the uniqueness of the event and its significance. “The ice rink is a wonderful place for families to be together over the holiday season to have some healthy physical activity outside,” she said pointing out Rady “treats all San Diego children diagnosed with cancer,” supporting them for two years or more after they’ve successfully completed treatment. She added the cancer center employs a multidisciplinary team that works with childhood cancer survivors to “give them additional tools and coping mechanisms while providing them with a healthy diet and access to pain relief so kids can become long-term survivors.”

Rady’s multidisciplinary team members are a cross between “a nurse and a friend,” furnishing special care for cancer-stricken children. “Kids have to be able to be kids, and they have a whole range of emotional needs,” pointed out Loker who added that “health insurance doesn’t pay for coloring books or someone to explain to a child, at their level, about what medical procedures they need. Treating adults and children, there really are some differences.”

Lisa Johnson, president/CEO of NTC Foundation noted, “Rady Children’s Ice Rink has become a staple in Liberty Station’s holiday traditions and we are thrilled to bring it back once again. Through the return of the rink, the community will be able to help support those who need it most.”

Johnson pointed out the Rady rink started out in Horton Plaza Downtown years ago, before shifting to the Arts District. She added there were some real technical challenges setting up the ice rink initially, adding the San Diego Gulls came to their rescue at one point “loaning them a bigger chiller when they blew out a pipe.” She added the Gulls remain involved as “they bring some of their players and mascots out and it’s real fun for the kids.”

Johnson said ice rink guests are also encouraged to shop for holiday gifts produced by Liberty Station artists and stores. “We have wonderful boutiques and shops making jewelry, ceramics, and fine art like stained glass,” she noted adding that, while they’re shopping, there are plenty of places for people to grab a bite to eat, or have a glass of wine or other refreshment. “It’s just fun and festive and we have ample free parking,” Johnson concluded.

NTC Foundation was established in 2000 as a nonprofit to renovate and operate the 100-acre arts district where visitors experience the arts, culture, creativity, and cuisine in a historic setting.

Arts District Liberty Station is San Diego’s largest arts and cultural district located in historic buildings at the former Naval Training Center. The district is home to over 100 museums and galleries, artist studios, dance companies, fine dining, creative retail, and other organizations that showcase San Diego’s creative community and provide innovative experiences for the public.

Para más información visite artsdistrictlibertystation.com, ntcfoundation.org y rchicerink.org.