Oakdale parent Emily Gull had just bought tickets for her son, Kallen, to enjoy a hot dog dinner and get a school T-shirt.

“I might use them (the tickets) to play hockey before the outdoor movie tonight,” he said.

The event capped Oakdale Elementary’s week-long fundraiser, which exceeded its $15,000 goal by raising $17,737.68. Students celebrated the achievement with a glow party. 

“We asked for donations, but tonight’s event with the silent auction helps with the final push,” Oakdale PTA President Olivia Morrison said. “Plus, it brings together our community.”

That community included members of the Mammoth Street Hockey team, who joined Brighton High’s hockey players to teach students how to play and scrimmage with them. 

“We knew that would excite the kids and introduce them to the NHL community,” she said.

Many of the school’s 330 students enjoyed free Raising Cane’s lemonade, Farr’s ice cream and popcorn donated by Macey’s. Some handed the DJ tickets to request favorite songs. 

“It's a fun community night; our kids love seeing their friends here and getting to hang out and play,” PTA Vice President Andrea Hebdon said. “We have built a strong community with a bunch of families from different cultures and backgrounds.”

PTA volunteer Jennifer White, one of 30 helping with the fundraiser, said the sense of connection is what makes the night special. 

“It's our one big family event where everyone is invited, community, grandparents, cousins and everyone shows up,” she said. “We’ve bonded, we enjoy hanging out, eating cotton candy and dinner and watching a movie together. Plus, we have the support of our business community, with so many of them offering silent auction items and goodies for the kids.”

Third-grade teacher Danielle Wheeler said she loves seeing both current and former students at the event.

“I get to see my students I've had in years prior and then see the students I have now outside of the learning environment, and also visit with the parents, so it's just a fun celebration to come together as the Oakdale community,” she said. “It's magical to see how all of the parents come together and create this. There's so much hard work that goes into this. And every year this is one of the biggest events we have, and it’s so much fun.”