BROOKINGS – Holy Life Tabernacle at 241 Mustang Pass in Brookings hosted its annual “Kids Night Out” event Tuesday, June 12.
This year, 327 children and adults attended the fun-filled evening and 33 new bicycles were given away, thanks to the generosity of its members. Children enjoyed face painting, balloon sculptures, games, treasure hunts, obstacle course, basketball, and an Obstacle Bounce and Slide. In addition, there was lively music and fun videos.
Over the years, Holy Life has given away 215 new children’s bicycles. You do not need to be a member of the church to win a bike. In fact, most of the bikes have gone to people who do not attend this church. The children register at the start of the evening. Each bicycle has a basket on the handle bars so the child can put their name in the basket for the bike that best fits them as a boy or girl. A drawing is held at the end of the evening.
The Rev. Dave Kaufman says the church is always excited about this annual event. People begin contributing money in March at their annual Kids' Fundraiser.
“We do something quite unique. We have a large parking lot that collects much snow. We call the huge snow piles “Mt. Tabernacle,” Kaufman said.
“People can vote for the day and time that they believe the snow pile will be totally melted. Each vote costs $1, so it is a fun and painless way to raise money for children’s bicycles.
“You can vote as many times as you want so we encourage people to stuff the ballot box. The winner gets a Perkins pie of their choice and the satisfaction of blessing children. This year with a few late snow storms, our official snow melt date was Tuesday, May 4, at 11:30 a.m.”
Holy Life Tabernacle is a longstanding member of the Brookings Christian community. Kaufman said The Tabernacle will host its “Kids Night Out” event again in June 2019.
Courtesy photos
Above: The Rev. Dave Kaufman with some of the 33 children’s bicycles given away on Tuesday.
Below 1: The Kids Worship Team performs at Kids Night Out.
Below 2: Essy Klingbile is all smiles after winning a bike, with her parents, Jeremy and Michele Klingbile from Brookings.
