After reading about 100,000 books together this year, Renton fifth- and second-graders had a party like no other.

About 2,000 kids filled the Family Fun Center in Tukwila as a gift from owner Scott Huish and businessman Bob Bridge May 3-6.

“It’s a way they’re saying to the kids, ‘This is important,'” said Mary Alice Heuschel, Renton School District superintendent.

The day of fun was a celebration of the first year of the Reading Buddies program, where fifth-graders tutor second-graders.

At the Fun Center, older students paired up with their buddies and frolicked from video games to mini golf to laser tag.

“The kids love it. That’s all that matters,” Bridge said, who also gave 650 new books to the program.

“The books have been great,” said Sierra Heights fifth-grade teacher Chris Burcham. “The kids are so encouraged to read them.”

While the celebration is fun, most fifth graders love to mentor, she said.

“It’s just amazing to see these kids bond with each other,” she said, watching two boys hop together to the yellow-striped bumper boats.

Fifth-graders are learning that it’s a part of their responsibility to help younger kids, she said. “It will just become the culture of the school.”

Not all the kids were in second and fifth grades, Sierra Heights partnered fifth-graders and kindergartners.

Before the fun began, kids filled the building’s entryway and looked up the arching stairs at Bridge and King 5’s anchor Jean Enersen. The two gave motivational speeches reminding kids why they were there.

“You are clearly number one,” Bridge said, while Enersen had them to shout “hi mom” to the cameras.

The kids then scattered through the facility like marbles; it was the ultimate playground.

“It felt good to do something good for the community,” Huish said. “We are in Renton’s backyard and we wanted to help the schools out.”

The 2,000 admission tickets were valued over $25,000. Bridge paid for the buses.

A kick-off celebration was held last fall for the 5th graders. Bridge hopes to continue funding the program next year.

“It’s just one spoke in the wheel,” he said. “The real deal is student achievement.”