Figure skating benefit raised $1.2 million for first responders, families affected by DCA crash

Sunday’s “Legacy on Ice” figure skating tribute at Capital One Arena raised more than $1.2 million for the families and first responders who were affected by January’s aviation crash outside Reagan National Airport, event organizer Monumental Sport said.

Twenty-eight members of the figure skating community were among the 67 people who died when an Army helicopter crashed into an American Airlines flight on Jan. 29. To honor the deceased, dozens of local and nationally renowned skaters performed poignant and emotional routines in front of a sold-out crowd on Sunday.

“We continue to be in awe of and grateful to this community, whose compassion and support was out in full force for the ‘Legacy on Ice’ event,” said Ted Leonsis, founder of Monumental and the owner of the Washington Wizards and Capitals.

Monumental officials said they expect fundraising efforts to continue through the end of the month. Sunday’s event aired live on Peacock and the Monumental Sports Network, but an encore will air on NBC on March 30.

“Against the backdrop of this massive tragedy, this region has provided a light in showcasing its generosity and empathy for the victims, their families, and the heroic first responders,” Leonsis said of Sunday’s turnout. “I encourage people to continue to donate if they can.”