BROOKINGS – Holy Life Tabernacle at 241 Mustang Pass in Brookings hosted its annual “Kids’ Night Out” event on Tuesday, June 14. This year, approximately 200 children and adults attended the fun-filled evening and 25 new bicycles were given away thanks to the generosity of its members. Children enjoyed face painting, games, treasure hunts, minnow races, basketball, and an obstacle bounce and slide. In addition, there was lively music, fun videos and a free lunch.

Over the years, Holy Life Tabernacle has given away 300 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. Randyn Funderburg 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.' People can vote for the day and time that they believe the snow pile will be totally melted. Each vote costs one dollar, 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 less snowstorms, our official snow melt date was Sunday, April 10, at 3 p.m.," Funderburg said.

Holy Life Tabernacle is a longstanding member of the Brookings Christian community. Funderburg said that The Tabernacle will host its “Kids Night Out” event again in June 2023.