(Riverton, WY) – The Fremont County community and supporters of the Fremont County Ice Hockey Association proved that folks truly want to see the hockey program grow at the March 21 fundraiser event, where over $70,000 was raised.
“We raised just over $80k before cost, so I would say around $76k,” organizer Erika Eckley shared with County 10. The fundraiser included an auction and dinner, with Ed Newbold and the Fremont County Cornhole crew organizing the cornhole portion.
The Fremont County Freeze had three teams in different age divisions win State titles this year, despite not having a place to practice all season. Riverton’s ice rink is a covered rink that is partially exposed to the elements (a sort of combination outdoor/indoor rink), so this winter’s lack of cold temperatures meant there was no ice to practice on.
The fundraiser was the first step in securing funds for a permanent, enclosed rink, Eckley shared.
“This season, our kids brought home three state titles, something most programs achieve with full access to ice,” Eckley said. “Meanwhile, our team has spent months waiting for weather and ice that comes far too late or this season, not at all. That contrast says everything about their grit. Our recent fundraiser wasn’t just about raising money, it was about changing that reality. These kids have already proven what they’re capable of.”
Eckley added that the funds raised are a start, but it’s a long road ahead for actually paying for a facility.
“Now it’s our turn as a community to give them the resources they deserve and a fair place to play. $80k is a great addition to our savings toward our future, but it’s not even a dent in what we need. The efforts have to keep going. The goal is for the funds to go straight into the program toward a future with ice, whether that be a chiller or a facility, whichever we can achieve first, to get these kids on ice this next season.”
Eckley said they will continue to “push community support and fundraising,” and that they are “always accepting donations or grants or just a finger in the direction to what might get us closer to a facility.” (Click here for contact info if you would like to get involved.)
“These kids are resilient, as well as parents who put in double the miles this season, but we need a solution quickly,” Eckley added. “You will start seeing a lot more fundraising efforts throughout the years, and please just share what you can if you’re not able to donate, spread the word, reach out, and help where you can.”
As for the March 21 event, Eckley had nothing but gratitude for those who turned out.
“Shoutout to everyone who showed up, whether that’s in person, donation, or a sponsorship,” Eckley said. “It does not go unnoticed, and these kids will know who helped them achieve their goals. Huge shoutout to Britney Wood for her behind-the-scenes work and Ed Newbold for stepping in and helping. The parents and board members who volunteered their time to get donation items and showed up to help set up and make the night run smoothly.”
Eckley shared that a highlight of the fundraiser was when BackDoerr Consulting and B&M Septic and Excavation Services had a bidding war of up to $15,000 to get their logos on the teams’ jerseys, but ultimately chose to split it.
“That’s community support,” Eckley said. “It brought a standing ovation and tears to a lot of people’s eyes. The players were all jumping up and down with joy.”
Click here to follow the Fremont County Ice Hockey Association to find out about future events.