Car star event held at Branched Oak Observatory

The Branched Oak Observatory and the Smile–Center.org organizations came together to throw a dual fundraiser event.

Michael Sibbrensen, with the observatory said that the proceeds are going to help tremendously.

“We are splitting all the proceeds between branch oak observatory and smile center. org, another wonderful organization. Most of the money here will probably go to our general fund, which allows us to stay open,” Sibbrensen said.

Security First Bank sponsored all of the up front cost for the event which allowed the organizations to receive 100% of the donations.

“When families have a child with a disability, funds can be limited and this enables them to have the funds, or at least assist with the funding to have the little cars which accelerates learning,” Dawn Sebek said.

SMILE stands for seeking more independent life experiences and they provide little modified cars to help children with mobility problems.

Smile Center even gave away a little fire truck to a 7–year–old boy named Ryker at the event.

Sebek hopes that with the success they have had this year, the event will continue to grow.

“Oh it’s great, its great. We hope to make it annual thing happen every year, its incredible, the families, the fun that the kids are having out here,” Sebek said.

The event featured fun for everyone including, a show and shine car show, safe solar viewing until sunset, crafts for the children, and a special treat for those who could stay up until midnight.

“We’ll be observing galaxies, nebula’s, star clusters, we’ll be looking at the planet Jupiter here in the south and then later in the evening, midnight or so we’ll get to see Saturn coming up and you’ll be able to see Saturn and its rings and all its glory. It’s absolutely beautiful,” Sibbrensen said.