Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Wharf in Orange Beach turned winter fun into real help for local children this holiday season. Working with Heather Loper And Associates at Keller Williams Alabama Gulf Coast, the entertainment district raised thousands of dollars through a special skating program. Visitors enjoyed time on the ice while knowing their tickets were helping families in need. The effort shows how a simple night out can make a big difference for the community.

The partners announced that their joint donation to Toys for Tots reached five thousand dollars. The campaign centered on “Skate 5, Give 5 Tuesdays,” a weekly event at The Wharf’s ice rink during the 2025 holiday season. Each Tuesday through December 10, every paid skate helped increase the final gift. The program drew steady crowds who were eager to combine holiday fun with giving.

For every skate purchase on those Tuesdays, The Wharf pledged to donate five dollars to Toys for Tots. Heather Loper And Associates agreed to match that amount dollar for dollar. That meant each individual skate generated ten dollars for the charity. As more guests laced up their skates, the total climbed, ending with a combined contribution of five thousand dollars.

Leaders at The Wharf said the response from visitors and residents exceeded expectations. “We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from our community,” said Lindsey Pearce, who works in Special Events and Community Partnerships at The Wharf. She explained that the rink was a place where families could celebrate the season together. At the same time, their tickets made sure other children would not be forgotten.

Pearce said the spirit behind the event matched The Wharf’s larger mission as a gathering spot. “The Skate 5, Give 5 initiative allowed families to enjoy a fun holiday tradition while helping ensure local children experience the joy of the season,” she said. She added that teaming up with Heather Loper And Associates was a natural fit. “This partnership with Heather Loper & Associates reflects the heart of what The Wharf strives to be: a place where community and compassion come together.”

Heather Loper, whose real estate team helped fuel the donation, shared that the decision to join the effort came easily. “Giving back is at the core of what we do, and partnering with The Wharf to support Toys for Tots was an easy yes,” she said. Her team saw the excitement grow as word spread about the Tuesday events. “Seeing how excited guests were to participate each week made this initiative even more meaningful.”

Toys for Tots, a well-known program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, collects and distributes toys to children whose families may struggle during the holidays. Local organizers rely on both gifts and cash donations to reach as many kids as possible. Support from efforts like Skate 5 Give 5 helps them purchase toys that fill age and supply gaps. It also allows them to respond when last-minute needs arise in the community.

This week, representatives from The Wharf and Heather Loper And Associates came together again, this time to hand over the check. The presentation to Toys for Tots marked the official close of the 2025 Skate 5 Give 5 effort. Both partners described the campaign as a success, measured not only in dollars but also in community spirit. They said they hope the program inspires similar efforts in future holiday seasons.

For families who joined the Tuesday skating nights, the event offered more than a seasonal outing. Parents and children shared in a tradition that combined lights, music, and time on the ice. They also knew that the cost of each session helped brighten the holidays for another child nearby. In Orange Beach, the simple act of skating in December became a way to spread joy beyond the rink.