ELKHART — Ice skating enthusiasts had the opportunity to circle the rink at the Nibco Water and Ice Park in downtown Elkhart on Friday, Feb. 8, to raise money for charity.

Church Community Services’ Great Skate fundraiser event gave skaters the opportunity to raise money for the organization’s programs.

More than $2,000 had been raised by 8 p.m. Friday night.

The Great Skate is the brainchild of Tim James, a volunteer who dreamed up the event in October after learning about CCS and seeing its needs for the winter season.

“A lot of people do walk-a-thons, so I said why not do a skate-a-thon?” James said. “I figured if I can’t write them a check for $20,000 or $30,000, I’ll do whatever I can to help raise that money for CCS.”

The client choice pantry at CCS provides 70 to 80 pounds of food to about 2,300 Elkhart County families each month, said Carol Willis, director of development for CCS.

“After January 1, giving really falls off but the need is still there. This will be a good help for the coming winter months,” Willis said.

Funds from the Great Skate will also help CCS run the Seed to Feed program and offer financial assistance to prevent eviction and utility shutoff for low-income families.