WESTFIELD-A fun night of bingo next month awaits area residents – with proceeds benefiting “innovative learning experiences” in the public schools.
The fifth annual Pocketbook Bingo, sponsored by the all-volunteer organization Westfield Foundation for Education (WFE), is slated Nov. 8 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Tekoa Country Club on Russell Road. Doors open at 6 with the first game starting promptly at 7.
Laura Taylor, WFE president, noted that tickets have only been on sale for a few days and more than half of the tickets available have been sold.
“Pocketbook Bingo gains momentum every year,” said Taylor. “In the first few years the previous board had to change locations to work with the growing number of people interested in playing. Last year we had a record 280 people, while this year we are expecting to have over 300, with a maximum capacity of 332.”
Taylor added that the minimum age to play bingo is 18 since it is a “gambling” game.
“We feel residents should support this event because the money raised directly benefits innovative learning experiences in our schools,” said Taylor. “Teachers submit grant applications and have the opportunity to be awarded funding for exciting, rigorous and relevant learning opportunities that may not otherwise happen without this money.”
Taylor noted that everyone involved in the foundation is a volunteer “trying to help provide students within Westfield’s schools every opportunity available to feel a connection to their learning environment.”
This is one of the new designer handbags that will be won during Pocketbook Bingo on Nov. 8, a fundraiser sponsored by the Westfield Foundation for Education. (Submitted photo)
Taylor is joined on the executive board by Mary Zajdel, treasurer, and Lindsay Panis, vice president.
“Additionally, we have a core of volunteers who will play an important role supporting the operations of the event on Nov. 8,” said Taylor.
Winners of each bingo game will receive a new designer handbag.
“We purchased the designer bags brand new, though we have gotten word from a few people that they’d like to donate a bag which we absolutely welcome,” said Taylor.
Taylor said the handbag purchases were made possible because of sponsorships – from $1,000, $500, $250 and $100.
“We’ve been lucky enough to secure Westfield Gas & Electric as a platinum sponsor this year and last year, which means they donated $1,000,” said Taylor. “We also received a $100 sponsorship from John S. Lane & Sons. Each level of sponsorship also gets a certain number of tickets to the event as a thank you.”
Additional bingo cards will be sold for $5, and sheets of raffle tickets for $5 will be available to win prizes.
“We’re working on an extra bingo game with a special prize as well,” said Taylor.
At press time, raffle prizes have been donated by Tree House Brewing Company, Ideal Health & Body, Big Y and Cinemark. Raffle prizes are still being accepted and can be donated by contacting Taylor via email at [email protected] for more details.
“We also receive amazing raffle baskets from each school in town,” said Taylor. “They always come through with beautiful baskets.”
Tickets are $30 per person and includes 10 games of bingo. A table can be reserved with the purchase of eight or 10 tickets. Light refreshments will be available as part of the entry fee. A cash bar is also planned. Tickets will be $35 per person on the day of the event and at the door, though tickets are limited and may not be available that evening.
For tickets or more information on WFE, as well as volunteer opportunities, visit www.westfieldfoundation.org.
