February 21, 2004, the beautifully renovated Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City was the site of the first event hosted by the Skate America 2005 planning committee.  The VIP contributors and boosters took part in the Icebreaker.

Icebreaker VIPs had the opportunity to meet the reigning Miss America, Ericka Dunlap.  With Miss America are Pat Dulak and Susan Welsh, Vice President of Upper Mountain SA.

Each September, Boardwalk Hall is the home of the Miss America Pageant.

Members of the North Jersey Figure Skating Club were among the VIPs enjoying the Icebreaker reception hospitality.  Pictured are skating judge, Margaret Szymanski, Richard Breitweiser, President of NJFSC, and Ed Stein.

Skate America 2005 co-chair Betty Fields with Caren Batterman, President of River’s Edge FSC, and Joan Brenella, Icebreaker co-ordinator.

The New Jersey Council of Figure Skating Clubs officers were on hand to meet and greet the Icebreaker VIPs.  (L-R: Ruth Necco, Treasurer, Susan Ward, Secretary, Tom Mangum, Vice President, Lori Chen, President)

Skate America 2005 co-chairs, Kristina Ramsland and Betty Field, took time out to compare notes with Susan Ward who is chairing the Skate America 2005 fundraising committee.

American Academy FSC members Alexandria Pascucci, Melissa Pascucci, and Alex Pascucci examined the items offered for bidding during the silent auction of skating memorabilia donated by Karen Courtland Kelly, Judy Schwomeyer Sladky, Taffy Holiday, Linda Fox, Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority, Smucker’s Stars on Ice, Upper Mountain SA, American Academy FSC, and Atlantic City FSC.

Over 100 figure skating enthusiasts signed on as either Skate America 2005 Icebreaker VIPs or Boosters.  The law firm of Carlin & Ward became the first Platinum VIP with a donation of $1000 toward Skate America 2005.

Future fundraising events include a planned golf outing and black tie dinner.

Boosters and VIPs enjoyed an evening of skating at the Boardwalk Hall.  In just a short 19 months from this initial celebration of skating at Boardwalk Hall, Skate America 2005 will come to Atlantic City!