Anthony Portantino, shown at an earlier veterans bingo event, was poised to make his mark. This year’s veterans bingo event is Friday at Healy Hall.
By Samantha SLAYBACK
Friday evening, Aug. 8, will mark the third annual Community Bingo Night at Holy Redeemer Middle School, 2411 Montrose Ave. in Montrose. The event is hosted each year by the American Legion Post to raise funds for veterans in the community. Tickets to participate are only $10 and include two bingo cards and 10 games.
Though the games won’t begin until 7 p.m., the hall doors will open at 6 p.m. so folks can buy something to eat and socialize with friends. Plenty of food and beverages will be available, including pizza, cookies, soda and water.
After five games of bingo, there will be a 10-minute intermission during which time a raffle will be held. This year’s post commander, Lynn McGinnis, promises that raffle prizes are “amazing.” During intermission guests will also have a last chance to grab some snacks before the kitchen closes.
In previous years, the event has had an outstanding turnout according to McGinnis.
“The first year, we had over 150 players,” said McGinnis. He added that only players are counted as part of the attendance, though even more people attended who didn’t play but wanted to support the event. Unfortunately, the second year had fewer in attendance – around 105 players. As a result, this year the American Legion is hoping for some extra support.
“Our goal is to have 150,” explained McGinnis. “Healy Hall holds up to 300 people, so 150 is a very manageable number.”
The American Legion Post, 4011 La Crescenta Ave., raises money for local youth in the spring and the local veterans in the fall. Many veterans attend the bingo night to show their thanks for the community’s support.
“There is always a very strong contingent of veterans at the event,” McGinnis said.
Every second Saturday of the month, the legion also holds a free breakfast for veterans and friends of the legion. This month, the complimentary breakfast falls the morning after Community Bingo Night. The breakfast of pancakes, sausages, coffee and more will be served from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. McGinnis said the public is invited to come down to Memorial Hall on the corner of La Crescenta and Manhattan for “a plate of chow, a cup of Joe, and some great stories.”
The only things the legion requires guests to bring are an appetite and at least one good story to share.
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