SLV Health gives out 200 bicycles for kids in park

ALAMOSA — Cole Park saw 1,500 children of all ages register for their chance to win a scooter, tricycle, or bicycle on Thursday. However, only 200 lucky kids of all ages walked—or biked—their way home with a brand new ride and helmet at San Luis Valley Health’s third annual Lids for Kids event.

In addition to the giveaway, attendees could enjoy live music by Carly Rider, tour emergency response vehicles such as a REACH medical helicopter and visit various booths for toys and treats. Once a child received a stamp from each booth they earned a free snow cone to cool off in the summer sun.

SLV Health CEO Konnie Martin kicked off the event and explained that it was the brainchild of the hospital’s trauma nurse coordinator Julie Ramstetter and chief clinical officer Patti Thompson.

Numerous hospital employees, trustees, volunteers and community members donated cash or bicycles, totaling more than $13,000, to make the event possible. As Dr. David Geiger and Dr. Megan Koenig read the winning drawing numbers, individuals from a pool of 175 SLV Health volunteers aided children in selecting a bike. Once the special ride was chosen, the hospital’s physical therapists helped fit the children with their new helmets.

“Our goal today is share our passion for injury prevention and to have all of you and your families connect with emergency responders and medical professionals,” Martin said. Along with SLV Health, Valley-Wide Health Systems Inc., The American Red Cross, Alamosa Fire Department, Alamosa County Sheriff, Alamosa Police Department, Colorado State Patrol and emergency medical services from Alamosa, Costilla and Conejos counties were present to educate the children.

Captions: Above, Nigel Bahr, 6, tries out his new bicycle at SLV Health’s third annual Lids for Kids event at Cole Park Thursday evening. Bahr was the first of 200 kids to receive a free scooter, tricycle or bike. Courier photos by Jefferson Geiger.

2018LidsforKids3Web

Jillian Anderson, 4, and Hailey Anderson, 8, learn how to perform CPR from SLV Health emergency room nurse Brittany Sours at SLV Health’s third annual Lids for Kids event at Cole Park Thursday evening. Multiple booths were set up around the park to educate kids about healthy and safe practices.

2018LidsforKids1Web

Carly Rider performs “Dance With Me” at SLV Health’s third annual Lids for Kids event at Cole Park Thursday evening. The event saw 1,500 registrants, up from last year’s 1,000.

2018LidsforKids4Web

After hosting tours for children throughout the evening, the REACH medical helicopter takes off from Cole Park during SLV Health’s third annual Lids for Kids event Thursday evening. Attendees could also tour ambulances and fire trucks.