HOULTON, Maine — By all accounts, the ninth annual Houlton Rotary Bingo was a huge success Thursday evening with a large gathering coming out to support the club.
More than 100 people turned out for the event, which raised $5,064, with $2,100 coming from community business sponsors.
Rotarian Richard Hammond calls out bingo numbers Thursday night at the Houlton Rotary Bingo night at St. Mary’s church. The event raised $5,064. (Joseph Cyr)
“We always get a really good turnout,” said Rotarian Nate Bodenstab, chairman of the event. “People really like their bingo, and they like to support Rotary. We usually make enough money to send two students on the Rotary Exchange program.”
Bodenstab said the fundraiser is also a win-win for those attending as the cash prizes on the night ranged from $40 to $400 for some of the games.
Bingo Night was started in 2003 to serve as the major fundraiser for the club’s Youth Exchange Program, which sends students to foreign countries on a cultural exchange for several weeks. The objective of the program is to advance the knowledge and world understanding of the participating students.
In addition to local students traveling abroad, the Exchange includes a reciprocal visit by a student from their host family. Over 25 local students have benefitted from the youth exchange program since its inception and the club is committed to seeing the program continue.
Further details on the Rotary Youth Exchange program are available on the club’s website www.houltonrotary.org and on their Facebook page
Checking off their bingo cards Thursday evening at the Houlton Rotary Bingo night are Millie and Ken Hanning. (Joseph Cyr)
