By Kristine Thomas
Silverton resident Gabrial Kitterman invites fellow Star Wars and video game enthusiasts to an intergalactic battle.
The owner of Crossfire LaserTag, Kitterman is donating the use of his laser tag equipment for a fundraiser for the Silverton Skatepark. His company presents mobile laser tag parties – for birthdays to corporate events – throughout Oregon.
Judy Schmidt, who is on the park’s fundraising committee, said the proceeds from the fundraiser would be used to purchase benches, picnic tables and bike racks. The skatepark is on schedule to break ground this summer, she said.
The Silverton Skatepark fundraiser is Wednesday, March 27, 3 to 7 p.m. at Silverton Community Center gym, 421 S. Water St. The cost is $15 per person. Each 30-minute time slot can accommodate 26 participants with 208 slots available.
Tickets can be purchased at the Silverton Chamber of Commerce, 425 S. Water St.; Silverton Together, 421 S. Water St.; or by calling 503-873-1789.
The Silverton Kiwanis Club members are volunteering to serve as referees and take the lead as the nonprofit for the event, Schmidt said.
“We hope that different businesses and groups will challenge each other,” Schmidt said. “The event gives kids an opportunity to have some fun during Spring Break while trying something new.”
Kitterman said the laser tag game has a science fiction twist.
“It’s a fun, silly sport with a Star War’s theme,” Kitterman said. “Laser tag is a family friendly game and the weapons are never referred to as guns.”
A former elementary teacher in the Silver Falls School District, Kitterman has operated Crossfire LaserTag for nine years. He enjoys setting up an arena, passing out blasters, making up sci-fi scenarios and overseeing ‘intergalactic battles.”
He’s excited to share what he does while helping to raise money for the Silverton Skatepark.
“If all goes well, I would like to do this for other nonprofits as a fundraiser,” he said.
