Bingo the Perennial Church Fundraiser

Bingo the Perennial Church Fundraiser

Few fundraisers are as closely identified with various churches as bingo night. For as long as I can remember, bingo night at the church was a fun experience, and one I greatly looked forward to. While I guess technically it was gambling, it was more fun than anything else, and provided a much needed source of income for the church and its good works.

Just as much as the thrill of winning money or prizes, the camaraderie of getting together with friends for a night of fun makes the good old church basement bingo one of the most enjoyable. While the stakes, and the cost, are much greater at the larger bingo halls and Indian casinos, there is still nothing quite as exciting as yelling bingo in a church full of old and new friends.

Fortunately for all of us, these church hall bingos continue to be both a source of revenue for the churches and a great source of fun for parishioners and non parishioners alike. I know my church welcomes people of all faiths to their weekly bingo night, whether they are member of the church or not. I’m sure most other churches are equally accommodating to all people

When it comes to prizes for bingo night, they have ranged from everything from fun prizes to gift certificates donated by local businesses to handicrafts made by church members to of course cold hard cash.

At one time or another I have been the grateful recipient of all these kinds of prizes, and it would be hard to pick my favorite. While no one can argue with the value of a big cash prize, winning a craft item a church member has put so much effort and love into can be just as big a thrill. All these things and more are why bingo night remains one of the best nights of the week.