As you may know, the WHC is a part-owner along with the Wilmette Hockey Club of the North Shore Ice Arena (NSIA) which was built several years ago to service the needs of our burgeoning programs. Many of you provided a huge impact in the raising of nearly $1.5M for the initial rink funding which has dramatically improved the quality of life for our families with a facility located nearby. If you have the means to be helpful, all donations will go to a specific WHC account for NSIA support. We feel strongly that the culture of the Winnetka program is special and that the time and resources we invest in the club and NSIA are well worth the effort. We hope that if the same is true for you, you will consider a donation this year.
The Winnetka Hockey Club provides an important foundation for our children’s development, and many lifelong relationships are established for kids and parents alike. As a Board, we are obligated to ensure the stability and growth of the program. The volunteer Board’s efforts keep overhead low, and we benefit greatly by having two nationally recognized coaches in DJ LaVarre and Tom Gullen so committed to our club’s operations and success.
As you may know, the WHC is a part-owner along with the Wilmette Hockey Club of the North Shore Ice Arena (NSIA) which was built several years ago to service the needs of our burgeoning programs. Having control of our own asset provides much flexibility regarding ice time for various practices, games and tournaments. However, there are also ongoing operational costs and responsibilities that include retiring bonds used to fund the initial construction.
Many of you provided a huge impact in the raising of nearly $1.5M for the initial rink funding which has dramatically improved the quality of life for our families with a facility located nearby. What some current and future parents will never know is the burden of long commutes and bad times for practices in far more distant spots. Friday evening commutes to Buffalo Grove, Sunday morning treks to Lake Forest and mid-week battles getting to Heartland in Lincolnwood for “home” ice are just a few that quickly come to mind to many of the veterans.
If you have the means to be helpful, all donations will go to a specific WHC account for NSIA support. Any donation of $2,500 or more will be memorialized on the “Raise the Roof” plaque hanging on the wall for all to see. For donations up to $2,000, we have set up a web link to facilitate that. For larger donations, please indicate interest by emailing Tim Hackett. Please also check with your employer if warranted for possible matching donation, always welcome additional support as we are a recognized 501(c)3 charitable organization.
We love hockey for its simple fun and for the lessons and relationships that can be developed. We feel strongly that the culture of the Winnetka program is special and that the time and resources we invest in the club and NSIA are well worth the effort. We hope that if the same is true for you, you will consider a donation this year.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Mike Purcell, President
Ed Starr, Treasurer
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