The “Bristow Walmart Car Show for Children’s Hospital” event is returning this Saturday, June 22, as part of their fundraising campaign for The Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis in Tulsa. A few years ago, as Walmart employees met to discuss their upcoming annual children’s hospital fundraising campaign, associate Tarin Moore decided she could put on a car show to help raise additional funds. Since that time, she has taken on the title of “Car Show Coordinator” as she rebuilds the fundraiser each year.
The event is open to anyone wanting to showcase their vehicles. Registration is available at the customer service desk for $25 prior to Saturday’s event or $30 the day of the show. Although, Moore did not recall the total number of car show entries to date, she stated that they ran out of registration forms and hopes for high registration and turnout. She also noted that most people typically register on the day of the show to increase financial contributions to the charitable cause. Car show winners will receive trophies, and winners will be determined by threejudges: all local children.
Car show judges this year include Karson, Tinlee, and Kimber, who each spent significant time at the children’s hospital in their young lives. Karson suffered from clear cell sarcoma of the left kidney at age 3, ultimately losing his kidney to the disease, but he has now been cancer free since 2017; however, he currently has stage three kidney disease on his remaining kidney due to the treatments he received while treating his cancer. His wide smile and twinkling eyes reveal the joy he now feels.
As for Tinlee, she has bilateral schizencephaly, a severe form of cerebral palsy, which has resulted in her also experiencing severe muscle spasticity and tone. Additionally, she is non-ambulatory, non-verbal, and requires tube feedings. Despite her conditions and having undergone numerous procedures, she is said to have a contagious smile and laugh and a lovable personality.
Meanwhile, Kimber, the youngest of the judges, spent 33 days in the NICU. Shortly after being born, her heart and lungs reportedly failed to work appropriately. She was placed on a ventilator and later an ECMO machine, which kept her alive until her body could do the job it was meant to do. She is said to love storytelling and adventures.
In addition to the car show portion of the fundraiser, several food trucks will be on-site with delicious goodies for all. Vendors include Boss’n Hogs BBQ, Olivia’s, Barnyard Blizzard, Cajun Bayou, and more. Additionally, Walmart donated cases of bottled water and popcorn, which will be sold with all proceeds donated to the children’s hospital.
While cars might seem like the main attraction, Coca-Cola is providing a DJ to liven up festivities. Bristow and Depew fire and police departments will also be in attendance, greeting and interacting with attendees. In fact, Bristow Police Department will allow children to finger paint one of their cars at the show on Saturday.
Finally, giveaways will also be available as additional businesses are said to have contributed coupons for discounts and free goodies, too.
To join in the festivities and donate to the cause, be at Walmart this Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be set up along the western side of the parking lot toward the garden center. For more information, contact Tarin Moore at 539-2048834.