SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, Pa. — Amateur and pro rollerskaters rolled to the music at the Strand Roller Rink in McAdoo for the link at the rink event.
The Link is a group that raises money for suicide awareness and prevention in Carbon and Schuylkill counties.
"We started in October of 2015 because we decided that there was a need for the local community to have fundraisers that we keep right here in Carbon and Schuylkill County," said Ann Marie Calabreze, Founder of The Link.
And one of those fundraisers is this Link at the Rink event the group does every year.
"We team up with the Schuylkill County Scream Queens. They come here, hang out, and teach everybody what roller derby is all about. They play limbo with the kids. The adults have a blast as well," said Calabreze said.
The Scream Queens are a roller derby team based out of Schuylkill County. They compete nationally and team up with the Link every year.
"For us personally, for my family, it is something that is near and dear to our hearts, and it's just a great cause. I mean, we need to raise awareness and provide resources for people that may be in need," said Clarissa Christ, "Lollirot" Scream Queens.
Members say the event gets bigger and bigger each year and is one of the many fundraisers for suicide prevention organized by the Link.
"Through the high school, there are groups like Aevidum and Step Up who are always promoting suicide prevention and awareness. There was a dodgeball tournament run by a colleague of mine, and that all benefited The Link," said Amanda Hascin, The Link member, Teacher Tamaqua Area High School.
All of the proceeds from the Link at the Rink event benefit suicide awareness and prevention in Schuylkill and Carbon counties.
"We do check presentations to the Schuylkill Suicide Task Force, and we also choose different various Carbon County organizations, whether it be veterans or through counseling," added Calabreze.