By Eliza PARTIKA

The time for bingo fundraisers in the community has come around again. Several La Crescenta organizations hold fundraisers throughout the year to support their numerous philanthropic outreach projects, including local activities and scholarship programs for students.

Bingo fundraisers are an important way to raise the visibility of community organizations and have become a staple in the La Crescenta community. They are a vital way for the greater community to contribute to their local programs while socializing, reconnecting with each other and creating memorable family fun, said Steve Pierce, a member of the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is having its bingo night on Saturday, Jan. 27 at the Verdugo Hills Memorial Hall. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the first game is at 6 p.m.

“Bingo events are a social gathering for young and old to reconnect, reminisce and have an evening of family-friendly fun . . . and even win some money. We are expecting a full crowd so get there early and bring your friends. Support the CV Chamber and your community, and get ready to yell ‘BINGO!!,’” he said.

Scott Frost, president of the Crescenta Valley Columbus Club, chancellor for the local Knights of Columbus, and “chief bingo maker” this year, said he is impressed by the positive community response to bingo nights. In a poll the Knights took after the pandemic restrictions lifted, Frost said a majority of respondents voted to have bingo nights once a month. Due to manpower limitations, they plan to have a game every few months instead. The first of those games since COVID took place in August with a hearty attendance of 150 people. Frost said the Knights expect around 200 people to attend its first bingo of 2024, which is on this Saturday, Jan. 20.

“It’s really important because [community members] get to see each other, they get to see their kids. It’s a good, low cost way to have a family event and to have a good time. It raises money for good causes,” he said.

The Knights use money raised from bingo nights to support local churches and schools, and to collect money to repair the Knights of Columbus Hall on Honolulu Avenue.

Bingo nights are Frost’s favorite and longtime way of reconnecting with old friends.

“You’re struck by how many people you haven’t seen in a long time, how much you enjoy them, enjoy your relationship,” he said. “You reconnect with them.”

He said bingo events are also unique because families can bring their kids along.
“They get to come and play with friends,” he said.

Community members who have never attended a fun evening of bingo will have the opportunity to do so throughout January, February and March this year. Organizations holding fundraisers in January include the Knights of Columbus on Jan. 20 at Healy Hall at Holy Redeemer, 2411 Montrose Ave. and the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 27 at the Verdugo Hills Memorial Hall in La Crescenta.

Healy Hall will open at 5 p.m. on Jan. 20 for the Knights of Columbus Bingo Night with the last game completed at 9 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person.

The Chamber of Commerce’s first bingo night will be held Jan. 27 at the American Legion/VFW Memorial Hall, 4011 La Crescenta Ave. Bingo tickets are $25 and available now at the offices of the Crescenta Valley Weekly, 3800 La Crescenta Ave. #206, at KNA X Clawssy at 3156 Foothill Blvd. and Bob Smith Toyota, 3333 Foothill Blvd.

The La Crescenta Woman’s Club (LCWC) is having its bingo fundraiser on Feb. 17 at the La Crescenta Woman’s Club, 4004 La Crescenta Ave. Tickets are $25.

“Bingo serves multiple purposes. Any money we earn goes right back to the community. It’s a time for people who really enjoy doing this to get together and do it. It’s a fun way to earn money for nonprofits. Where we live, there’s a lot of cool sponsorships and we’re so lucky a lot of people are involved in our community and our youth and communities in need,” said Woman’s Club member Denise Napiwocki. “It’s an evening for us to open our doors and have the community participate together.”

Donations raised for the La Crescenta Woman’s Club on Feb. 17 are dedicated to its student scholarships and the donations the Club makes to Crescenta Valley High. They will also go to the Club’s monthly community charities.

Finally, the Quilters Guild bingo fundraiser for the Glendale Quilter’s Club is scheduled for March 16 at the Verdugo Hills Memorial Hall.