Rhode Island Rolls Into the Holidays with SkateMate’s SKATEMAS Event

There’s something contagious about the soft rumble of roller skates on a rink floor. The sound wakes up the inner child, loosens shoulders, and nudges even the shyest adults into a little holiday-season joy. It is exactly that magic that Constance Stowers, founder of SkateMate, is channeling with SKATEMAS, her festive December 20 celebration made possible with support from sponsors Melissa D’Ellena and Rachel Lusiak. The event blends good vibes with good intentions, raising funds and collecting donations for Children’s Friend, an organization that supports Rhode Island’s most vulnerable infants, toddlers, youth, and families facing financial hardship or instability.

Stowers’ commitment to the cause is deeply personal. “The first few Christmases after my divorce were financially brutal,” she recalls. “That feeling of not being able to afford Christmas for your own child stays with you.” When people in her life stepped up to help, she made a promise to one day pay it forward. SKATEMAS is how she keeps that promise.

This year’s event leans all the way into holiday cheer. Guests are encouraged to wear festive attire, and the rink will glow with seasonal lights. Along with a prize package from Impala Skates that includes a pair of their cult-favorite roller blades, the night will feature multiple giveaways such as class packages from Galactic Roller Disco, a bundle from Bruised Boutique, a Christmas basket from Burlap Baskets, and hopefully even more surprises. Music by DJ Howdy will set the tone from 10pm-12:30am Admission is $30 or $25 with a donation of winter clothing or infant and toddler toys. The donation wish list, based on Children’s Friend’s most urgent needs, includes warm coats, hats, gloves, and long-sleeved clothing in sizes 0–3 months through youth 14-16, as well as sensory and stackable toys are also welcome.

SKATEMAS is more than a holiday party. It offers a glimpse into the world of SkateMate, Stowers’ growing adult rollerskating community that welcomes beginners and intermediate skaters looking for movement, joy, and connection. “Humans need humans,” she says. SkateMate has become a place where adults show up, feel supported, and try something new. If you're nervous about lacing up for the first time, you’re not alone. “If it’s your first time on wheels, I’ll be right there helping you get started,” Stowers promises.

The idea for SKATEMAS came from a moment that stuck with her. Last year, Children’s Friend shared that their holiday donations were running low, just as Stowers began receiving a flood of messages that read, “I WANT TO ROLLERSKATE WITH YOU!” That timing sparked a lightbulb moment. “Come rollerskate with me and raise money for a cause that directly supports local kids,” she says. An annual tradition was born.

This year’s SKATEMAS also sets the stage for what’s next. In 2026, Stowers plans to grow SkateMate with more workshops, regular classes, trail meetups, and future retreats that combine movement with mindset and community. Her vision is to give adults a space where joy feels accessible, community feels real, and trying something new feels exciting instead of scary.

Her invitation to Rhode Island is simple: “Fill the rink and fill the donation bin.”

For more information on SkateMate’s classes and community offerings, click here. To purchase tickets ahead of the event, click here.. To keep up with the latest updates and behind the scenes moments, follow Connie on Instagram at @therealskater.