Thousands raised at Paul King Memorial Skate-A-Thon

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October 29, 2009

On Saturday Oct. 10, the Andover Community Skate Park played host to the sixth annual Paul King Memorial Skate-A-Thon. Following last year's 24-hour, $61,000 effort the skate park committee set out to raise $30,000. The $100,000 raised will pay for the construction of a new, state-of-the-art concrete section at the park.

This year's 12-hour event had much of the same flavor and energy as years past, with skaters from across Massachusetts and New England converging on the Andover Park to share a day of skating and fun in memory of Paul King. Andover skaters including Ian Whitney, James Perkins, Tim Gibson, Ian Adams, Ben and Sam Hatch, Jon Lincoln Vogel and Lorenzo Raponi spent the weeks leading up to the event talking to neighbors, family and friends about the event and trying to solicit donations toward the ramp. The skaters, along with the contributions and support from skate shops across New England, raised $7,000.

Raising money is a central theme to this community event, however, paramount to that, is the spotlight on the creativity, spirit and energy that Paul brought to park and that still remains today, said Tony Lombardi, of Andover Youth Services. The day brought something for everybody: spontaneous games of street hockey and basketball, live music from local DJs and bands, and demonstrations of skating ability including a surprise visit from local professional skateboarder Dave Buchinsky who not only skated the park, but also signed an autograph for everyone who asked.

Fundraising efforts will continue through Halloween as the youth services sells pumpkins and Paul King Memorial Skate-a-thon T-shirts. Both are available at the skate park until the end of the month. For more on building a new concrete section, including how to help, visit www.andoverskatepark.com or call Bill Fahey at the Youth Services, 978-623-8241.