Bingo bash has patrons yelling for more

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas has never felt as close to the coast as it did during the Elizabeth Richardson Center’s July 13 Beach Bingo Bash. Nearly 200 guests crowded into Dickson Street’s UARK Bowl to raise money for the center.

Hawaiian shirt and lei-clad guests arrived at the venue to the catchy tunes of Viscount, who played groovy covers of popular songs from decades past. After guests loaded up on tropical-themed hors d’oeuvres and beachy drinks, Tim and Jeff from Power 105.7-FM’s “Tim and Jeff in the Morning” show took the stage for the night’s main
event — bingo.

Some of the bigger bingo prizes included getaways to
Cherokee Casino and Eureka Springs, a children’s birthday party package and a car detailing package.

“We chose to do bingo because it’s not something that anyone else does,” said Kate Lunsford, marketing director of the Elizabeth Richardson Center. “There are a lot of galas and a lot of golf tournaments, so we wanted to do something that was different and fun and something that everyone could participate in.”

Proceeds from the night went to the center’s various programs. The Elizabeth Richardson Center has served area individuals with disabilities since 1963. The nonprofit has five Child Development Centers in the Northwest Arkansas area, and these centers serve the needs of children between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years.

The center also offers job training options for high
school students and offers community involvement, residential options and training for local adults.

After bingo ended, organizers announced the winners of the night’s raffle items, including a grill, a hammock, a quilt and other prizes.

Organizers hoped to raise between $5,000 to $10,000 from the Beach Bingo Bash.