PONDERAY — Laughter, cheers and the thrill of having the winning bingo number called filled the room as the annual Sandpoint Lions Turkey Bingo fundraiser packed the Elks Lodge both Friday night and Saturday afternoon.
For decades, the event has kicked off the community’s Christmas season — and helped the Lions raise funds for its annual Toys for Tots Christmas campaign.
Among those who consider the event a family tradition is Annette Braun, who recalled attending the event as a youth with her parents and two sisters.
“We looked forward to it every year,” she said, adding that then, as now, the event is about having fun with family and friends — and helping others during the Christmas season.
She remembers getting into the family car and heading to the Bonner Mall, going to both nights and having a lot of fun. Braun said it was a fun way to spend time together and a great way to ensure that all children have a merry Christmas.
“There are so many people who don’t have anything,” she said. “This is a way of giving back for all I have, and that’s what it’s all about.”
Braun was one of more than 70 people who attended the fundraiser Saturday. More than 90 people attended the first night of the fundraiser Friday. Held each year, the Turkey Bingo games raise funds for the Sandpoint Lions’ Toys for Tots campaign to ensure every child in the Lake Pend Oreille School District has a merry Christmas.
Braun said she is grateful to live in the community and for the many blessings she’s received. Taking part in fundraisers like the Lions Turkey Bingo gives her a chance to give back and help others.
“There are so many needy people. There are going to be children who don’t have anything,” Braun said. “You have to give back. We’re fortunate to be able to come and do things like this. There are people out there who just can’t — they just can’t afford Christmas — and we all need to help.”
Like Braun, Carly Syth came to the Turkey Bingo fundraiser with family and friends, an event that has become a family tradition.
“We came out to play bingo and to support the Lions Club for Toys for Tots,” the teen said, smiling in delight after winning a gift card as a bingo prize.
While her family regularly comes to the fundraiser, Syth said it was exciting for her number to be called.
“There’s a thrill when they call your last number,” she said with a grin. “When they call the number, it’s like, ‘Woo hoo.'”
The annual fundraiser is a family tradition, said Carly’s grandmother, Diane Syth. This year, she came with her two daughters, her son-in-law and her granddaughter.
“We love to support the community,” said Syth. “Plus, I get my kids here for a few minutes.”
The annual fundraiser is a big contributor to the Toys for Tots drive, Sandpoint Lions President Janice Rader said.
This year, the Lions were aided in the event by the Sandpoint Elks, which hosted the fundraiser a week after the lodge hosted the return of the Lions’ spaghetti feed fundraiser. The Elks’ support has been fabulous and is helping the Lions kick off fundraising for the Toys for Tots campaign in a strong fashion, Rader said.
In addition to raising funds, the event also emphasizes the importance of community, the Lions president said. Like Braun, she can remember attending the event as a youth with her family. It was always fun, creating special memories as a family and giving them a chance to help others, said Rader.
“I think a lot of people feel this is a fun way for them to give back to the community and help our program,” she said. “And everybody loves playing bingo.”
Seeing the laughter and teasing taking place on both Friday night and Saturday put a smile on her face and those of other volunteers. As far back as she can remember, Rader said the club’s tradition of two days of bingo has kicked off the holiday season — both for the club and the community.
Funds raised during the annual campaign go to purchase new toys for area children — or gift cards for older youth — who live in the Lake Pend Oreille School District. Every Christmas, the Lions help about 1,000 local youth.
For more information about how to help, contact the Sandpoint Lions Club by phone at 208-263-4118, by email at [email protected] or online at bit.ly/SandpointLions.
Annette Braun clasps her hands in prayer as she hopes for a certain bingo number to be called during the Sandpoint Lions’ Turkey Bingo fundraiser on Saturday.
Sandpoint Lions President Janice Rader calls out a number during Saturday’s Turkey Bingo fundraiser. Held each year before Thanksgiving, the event raises funds for the Lions’ Toys for Tots campaign.
Myra Poelstra and granddaughters Carla and Eilah search for a number called during the Sandpoint Lions’ Turkey Bingo fundraiser on Saturday.
Diane Syth, left, talks to granddaughter, Carly Syth, after the teen won a gift card at Saturday’s Turkey Bingo fundraiser for the Sandpoint Lions’ Toys for Tots Christmas campaign.