As the Boise Centre filled with a massive inflatable shark slide and too many underwater themed jump houses to count, it was the adults who were gearing up for a night of fun during the 24^th annual Kid For A Night on June 3.

Since its inception in 1993, Kid For A Night has put the “fun” in fundraising by encouraging adults to don a costume and act like a kid for a night. Kid For A Night is the signature event for St. Luke’s Children’s hospital and has raised over $7 million dollars. Funds raised at the event have helped support programs, services, expansions, and equipment for pediatrics, pediatric intensive care, neonatal intensive care, and the Children’s Specialty Center.

More than 800 people attended this year’s event, which brought in over $476,000 for the hospital. Throughout the evening, guests could make a donation through Give a Gift, the Child Life “fund an item” station, or the silent auction.

Custom dressed stuffed animals called “miracle bears” were another fun way to benefit the children’s hospital at Kid For A Night. Teddy bears disguised as sharks, jellyfish, starfish, mermaids, divers, penguins, and more were sold at the event, many of which were donated back to be given to the children receiving care at the hospital. Of the 72 bears purchased, 69 were gifted back.   

“It was great. It was so marvelous to see people purchase the bears so we could donate them to kids in the hospital,” said Kid For A Night Event Chair Joey Perry.  

On Wednesday, June 15, members of the Kid For A Night steering committee gathered at the children’s hospital to deliver the bears. The group eagerly awaited the opportunity to brighten the day of the 37 kids staying on the pediatrics floor.

The opportunity to see the look on a child’s face when given a teddy bear wearing swim trunks and goggles is a priceless one. One that makes the whole fundraiser completely worth it.

“When you deliver the bears to these children in the hospital and see the look on their faces, that just melts my heart. The smile and the appreciation makes all the difference in the world. That’s why I deliver the bears.” said Perry.