Judson Foundation plans candlelight event

Plans to build ice arena will be discussed Saturday

Gateway staff report

The Crystal Judson Domestic Violence Prevention Foundation will hold a candlelight vigil Saturday to honor the memory of Crystal Judson, who was killed five years ago by her husband, then-Tacoma Police Chief David Brame.

Since her death, the foundation and Judson’s parents have been devoted to promoting the cause of domestic abuse awareness.

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Peninsula Christian Fellowship by recounting Judson’s life story and will be followed by a candlelight ceremony with music at 7 p.m.

Former Gig Harbor mayor Gretchen Wilbert will also speak at the event. She plans to give an update on a proposed ice arena in Gig Harbor, one of the projects being pursued by the foundation to honor Judson’s memory.

The arena would feature a temporary 56-foot by 80-foot skating facility that would be located at the Uptown Gig Harbor shopping center. The arena would be open for public skating, plus skating performances, and hockey and other lessons.

Wilbert said the ice arena would fill two needs in the community.

“First, it will honor the life of Crystal, who gave her life to domestic violence and who was an award-winning figure skater,” she said. “Second, we need more indoor activity facilities in Gig Harbor.”

Wilbert also noted that the YMCA is already overcrowded as it relates to skating use.

“This will provide another space we need so badly,” she said.

The arena would be called the “Palais de Crystal” and would be considered a gift to Gig Harbor from the foundation.

Event details

Crystal’s Candlelight Commemoration will begin at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Peninsula Christian Fellowship, 4114 45th St. Court NW in Gig Harbor.