SOUTHWICK – A mother and daughter team up each month to host a multi-vendor bingo event at Southwick Grange #46 that promises surprises for all patrons.
Traditionally from September to March, Bev LaBombard and her daughter Stephanie Sicard line up local businesses to showcase their wares and each vendor is asked to donate one of their merchandise items for a bingo prize. LaBombard is also the Grange secretary while Sicard serves as treasurer.
“There are no cash prizes at our monthly bingo,” said LaBombard. “We do host a weekly Thursday night bingo where cash is won. Doors open at 4 and we start calling numbers at 6:50 p.m.”
On the afternoon of April 24, tables of vendors lined the perimeter of the Grange Hall selling a plethora of offerings, ranging from jewelry,
Stephanie Sicard calls out the bingo numbers during Sunday’s multi-vendor bingo event at Southwick Grange #46. Sicard also serves as the Grange treasurer.
nail wraps and savory chocolate concoctions, to leggings and capris. Vendors included LaBombard with her business, Athena’s By Bev, who donated a helping hand massage, Raeven Fuller of Dove Chocolate Discoveries, who donated chocolate-covered almonds and a white chocolate martini mix, Karie Matteson, of Thirty-One, donated a perfect potluck set with square party thermal bag, and Tiffany Wells of
Strung on Love donated a glass beads and pearls necklace with star pendant. Also, Kelly LaPlante and Corey Vachon donated a basket of four homemade dips, Megan Smigel and Teri Hart of Du North Darling Designs, offered the winner a pair of leggings or capris of their choosing, Kimberly Richard of Pink Zebra decorated a small basket with soy-based sprinkles and a candle, Megan Haselkorn of Jamberry donated a sheet of decorative nail wraps, and Ciara Goggans of Nerium International offered EHT, an age-defying supplement for mind enhancement.
“Our bingo games are open to the public and we welcome all so that money raised can go back to supporting the community,” said LaBombard.
Since the fall, proceeds raised from the sale of bingo cards have not only benefited the Grange but also several local charities, including Dollars for Scholars, Southwick Animal Shelter, Southwick Food Pantry, and a woman’s shelter in Springfield.
“We not only donated $330 to Dollars for Scholars, but we have also donated $290 to the animal shelter as well as filled the back of a police SUV with donations collected,” said LaBombard.
In November, in addition to donating $500 cash to the food pantry, the Grange matched that gift and was also able to collect 226 pounds of food for the program.
“In January we donated $400 to the women’s shelter that services all of Hampden County and also collected enough housewares to assist five families who were transitioning out of shelters,” said LaBombard.
Darlene Barnes marks her paper bingo cards as the game progresses on Sunday at the Southwick Grange.
LaBombard noted that the vendors pay $20 for their table space as well as donate a prize which is an ideal way to get their business out in front of local residents, especially since each month averages 45 players.
“Do a little shopping, play a little bingo, and have a great afternoon with us,” said LaBombard.
Patrons purchase cards for $10 per pack – enough for one paper card per game in a pack and if players bring in an item or two for either the Southwick Food Pantry or the Southwick Animal Shelter, they will also be given bonus cards.
Vendors set up their tables beginning at 10 a.m. with the doors open to the public at 11 a.m. Bingo starts promptly at 1 p.m. Vendors are also invited to play bingo.
“Both the table rent and the bingo money will be going to benefit the Grange this month,” said LaBombard, noting the furnace had to be replaced as well as a stove and refrigerator.
LaBombard said during a recent state inspection “the furnace quit” and the cost was $2,400 to make the repairs.
Stephanie Sicard calls out the bingo numbers during Sunday’s multi-vendor bingo event at Southwick Grange #46. Sicard also serves as the Grange treasurer.
“Since we also rent our hall we were in need of also replacing our stove and refrigerator so we do keep some of the funds raised to maintain our building,” said LaBombard. “We also need roof work and to deal with bore bees so we continue to triage what our needs are, as well as the needs of the community.”
During the monthly bingo game, LaBombard said there are 15 guaranteed games and the event usually wraps up around 3:30.
“We allow each vendor to take a couple of minutes to introduce themselves, talk about the item they are donating, and review any specials they have,” said LaBombard, adding that each bingo prize has a minimum value of $15.
LaBombard, a lifelong resident and former 14-year firefighter with the Southwick Fire Department, noted that five generations of her family remain active with the Southwick Grange. There are currently 16 active members who get involved in projects when their schedule allows.
“We welcome those interested in the Grange as well as everyone to join us at our bingo events so in turn we can support the community,” said Sicard.
