"It is a unique fundraiser. Most folks love it."

A Leverett HAND volunteer, Pouneh K. Fazeli '98, said that HAND was "really excited to be a part of this event for the sixth year and hopes to continue [HAND's] relationship [with the Salvation Army] and the skating show."

Ourplace, which is located in Central Square, is the first licensed daycare center of its kind in Massachusetts and probably in the United States, Carroll said.

Currently there are 26 children, ages three months to five-and-a-half years, who are using the facilities.

The Salvation Army solicits corporate sponsorship in Cambridge, Somerville, Watertown, Belmont and Arlington. These sponsors buy the tickets to the event and then donate a great majority of them to the area elementary schools. Most of these companies have supported the benefit since its inception.

Besides the sponsors, there are over 200 volunteers who work together in order to make Skate Fest such a "phenomenal" success, Carroll said.

These volunteers include senior citizens, the Salvation Army advisory board, Cambridge Partnership for Education and Leverett House students.

The ice skaters also volunteer their time to make the hour-and-a-half-long event possible. The skaters do not always get to perform in front of an appreciative crowd and without judges.

Leverett House Master John E. Dowling '57 said the event also gives aspiring athletes a chance to demonstrate their skills by showcasing skaters who are "on their way up."