By Michael Lanza
Rotary Club of Orange
Michael Lanza
There are some community events that become traditions almost before you realize it. For me, Rotary bingo has become one of those events.
Last year, I had the idea to bring a bingo fundraiser to Orange through the Rotary Club, and I was not quite sure what kind of response we would receive. What started as a new fundraiser quickly became something much more meaningful. People came, had fun, brought their families and, most importantly, kept coming back.
As we prepare for our next Halloween bingo night on Tuesday, Oct. 27, I am especially excited to see the familiar faces who have made this event such a wonderful part of our community.
We have had people return time and time again for each bingo night, and that is something that means a great deal to me. It has become more than a fundraiser. It is a chance for neighbors to get together, have a little fun and enjoy a good old-fashioned community evening.
The best part is knowing that the money raised stays right here in our community. Through these bingo events, Rotary has been able to support youth-focused activities and services in Orange, including Amity youth football and Orange Youth Services projects. Every bingo card, every game and every evening spent together helps us give back to the children and families who make our town such a special place.
The event is designed to be simple, affordable and fun for everyone. Admission is just $5 per person, with cards costing $1 each. We will play approximately 10 to 15 games throughout the evening, with a prize awarded for every game. Whether you are a longtime bingo player or have never played before, you are welcome to join us. Bring your family, bring a friend or come meet some of your neighbors.
This year we are adding a little extra fun before bingo night even begins.
During the week leading up to the event, I will be hosting a painted pumpkin scavenger hunt throughout Orange. Ten painted pumpkins will be hidden in different locations around town. The challenge is to find all 10. Anyone who successfully finds all the pumpkins will be eligible for a special prize at bingo night.
The scavenger hunt is meant to be another way to get people out, exploring our town and having fun together. It is also a great opportunity for families to participate, and I am already looking forward to seeing who manages to track down all 10 pumpkins.
At the heart of this event is something that can sometimes be easy to overlook: the value of simply bringing people together. In a small town, those connections matter. A night of bingo might seem like a trivial thing, but when neighbors gather around tables, laugh together, cheer for a winning number and know that their participation is helping local youth, it becomes something much bigger.
I hope you will join us for another Rotary bingo night. Remember to wear your costumes. Come for the bingo, stay for the community and help us continue giving back to Orange.
Michael Lanza is youth services chair for the Rotary Club of Orange. Follow him on Instagram at @lanzatristateinsurance.