Hosted by 1992 Olympic silver medalist Paul Wylie '91, Eliot House's "An Evening with Champions" opened to a near-capacity crowd last night.

This year marks the 27th chapter of the event which is organized by students in Eliot House to raise money for the fight against children's cancer.

The skaters volunteer their time each year and all profits go towards the Jimmy Fund Benefit.

Dan J. Kolodner '97 and Julie H. Park '97, the event's co-chairs, worked all summer in preparation, sending out nearly 50 invitations to the world's most talented skaters, and receiving acceptances from about 16, including Wylie.

"It was basically a full time job for them," said Robert N. Imerman, public relations director.

This is Wylie's fourth time hosting and performing in the show as Master of Ceremonies.

"I thought it was really great that Paul Wylie came," said Bob S. Lee '97-'98. "It's the big name skaters that draw the crowds."

"Paul Wylie is a favorite representative for Eliot House," said Amit A. Tiwari '98. "He's truly dedicated to the cause and all of us admire him."

Wylie's powerful performance motivated some audience members to give a standing ovation.

The crowd enthusiastically applauded all the skaters, including Samantha L Chaifetz '00.

Chaifetz, a North Atlantic silver medalist, said she was nervous and excited about performing.

"My family brought me to this when I was little so it's a great opportunity," she said.

"To skate with the people who are at the top of the sport is the elite of skating," Chaifetz said. "It's just an honor."

Despite a few falls and initial technical difficulties, the show was a success and the audience was stirred by the display of world-class talent.

"I really loved it; I came last year too," said Eli Grisby '98.

Karen Kwan, fifth at the 1996 National Championships, said she was only satisfied with her performance.

Kwan is a freshman at Boston University and took a midterm before coming to Harvard's Bright Hockey Center for a rehearsal.

"I would have done better but I haven't been training because I had finals this week," Kwan said.

Other skaters included the 1996 U.S. National Championships bronze medalists Eve Chalom and Mathew Gates, 1994-96 U.S. National Championships silver medalists Kyoko Ina and Jason Dingjen, 1996 World Championships silver medalist Ilia Kulik and 1992 Olympic silver medalists Elena Bechke and Denis Petrov.

Most of the skaters are staying with Eliot House residents.

Approximately half the house population volunteered to participate as hosts, ushers or committee members.

"'An Evening with Champions' is just a great cause," said Shilpa M. Jain '98. "It's something the house does together."

Tickets for the event are $10 for students and $20 for adults. Today's shows are at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., but the 8 o'clock show is already sold out