By Mary O’KEEFE

The American Legion Post 288 and Veterans of Foreign Wars 1614 are back to supporting nonprofits through hosting and organizing bingo games. 

On Saturday, July 10, the veterans at the American Legion and VFW will host a bingo game to benefit the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The American Legion is based on four pillars, or areas, of advocacy and service; the fourth pillar is children/youth. The Chamber’s fundraiser falls under the children/youth pillar since the majority of the funds raised goes toward the organization’s scholarship program.

Over the last few years the American Legion and VFW veterans have honed their bingo skills and offered support to many nonprofits that support youth but, during the pandemic, the doors of the American Legion Hall closed and most fundraisers went to a virtual format.

Now the veterans are back and ready to go. These days, like pre-pandemic times, bingo games are very popular and nonprofits are grateful for the chance to hold this type of fundraiser; however, the thought of doing a bingo game was not always the “no brainer” it is today.

“I was not keen on doing bingo the very first time,” said Mike Baldwin, adjutant with the American Legion Post 288.

His concerns were soon laid to rest when he saw how much support they received from the community and the willingness of other organizations to take part and sponsor the games.

He credited fellow veterans Andy Gero and Lynn McGinnis with being the driving force behind the bingo games.

“They came up with the idea to ask businesses and other groups to sponsor games so nothing is taken from the [ticket sales] funds raised,” Baldwin said. “We never charge the 501(c)(3) [non profit] group for our service and we have raised [to date] over $135,000 for various groups.”

The VFW and American Legion have hosted bingo fundraisers for the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Dept., Crescenta Valley High School, football boosters club, Mary Pinola Education Fund at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center and CVHS Prom Plus. They were planning a game for Glendale Community College when COVID-19 hit and they had to cancel the event.

Now that many of the pandemic restrictions have been lifted, nonprofits are ready to host bingo.

Sometimes the veterans host bingo games at their lodge at 4011 La Crescenta Ave., and other times travel to locations with their bingo organizational talents. In addition to this Saturday’s game, they have organized a bingo fundraiser for the Verdugo Hills Council of the Boy Scouts at the Elks Lodge, 120 E. Colorado St. in Glendale on July 24. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at https://www.vhcbsa.org/bingo7-24 or at the door. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will available to purchase from the Elks Club at 6 p.m. The first game is at 6:30 p.m. There will be raffle items and 50/50 drawing.  

On Aug. 20 a bingo fundraiser is scheduled for the American Legion Post 288. Though they host many games for other organizations, the Aug. 20 event is a fundraiser for the Posts. It will be held at Healy Hall, on the grounds of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 2411 Montrose Ave. The funds raised will allow them to assist veterans and families during the holidays.

The veterans have several other bingo events planned in October benefitting the Glendale Quilt Guild and the La Crescenta Woman’s Club.

The July 10 bingo that benefits the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce will be held at the American Legion Hall, 4011 La Crescenta Ave. Doors open at 5 p.m.; tickets are $20 and include bingo sheets for 10 games plus a dauber. Every bingo game pays $100 cash. There will food and beverages available for purchase. (More details are in the ad in today’s paper on page 8, which includes a coupon for a free game.)