Connery Rink to skate for charity

LYNN-The Connery Skating Rink at 182 Shepard St. will use this weekend’s public skating sessions to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts.The Connery Rink joins 23 other FMC Arenas-operated skating facilities holding a total of 70 public skating sessions this weekend. FMC will donate half of the $4 admission to the Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening conditions. The goal is to raise $10,000 in three days.Connery’s Make-A-Wish three public skating sessions will be held Friday from 12:30-2:30 p.m. and 7:30-9:30 p.m. (DJ night), and Sunday from 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.”I think this is a great way to raise money and awareness for such a worth-while cause,” said state. Sen. Thomas McGee, D-Lynn. “People can enjoy affordable skating while contributing to this great charity. I’m sure many Lynn residents will take advantage of this opportunity and come down to the Connery Rink for this weekend of skating. I commend FMC, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and all other parties involved for putting together this thoughtful benefit.”Make-A-Wish Foundation Chief Executive Officer Charlotte Beattie said the organization is pleased by the partnership with FMC Arenas.”The Make-A-Wish Foundation is delighted to benefit from FMC’s Public Skating Weekend,” she said. “We thank FMC Arenas for celebrating the winter season in this meaningful way, and we hope many individuals will lace up their skates to support our children’s wishes.”FMC Arenas President Rob McBride agreed.”We are thrilled to have the opportunity to lend a hand to such a worthwhile cause and applaud the tireless effort and dedication of the Make-A-Wish Foundation to making life brighter for children in our community,” he said. “Public skating rinks exist to bring joy into kids’ lives. Working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation allows us to reach out and bring some of that joy into the lives of some very special children.”Additional donations will be accepted at the rink throughout the weekend events. All checks should be made payable to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of MA. Donations, including 50 percent of the admission are tax deductible. For more information, visit www.fmca-renas.com.