LATROBE, PA — A Bingo Bash event to benefit Saint Vincent College Wraps for Kids is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 9, in the Fred M. Rogers Center on the SVC campus.
A joint effort between the Saint Vincent College Education Department and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region, SVC Wraps for Kids has for over a decade provided presents, joy and hope to more than 2,100 local kids.
To raise funding for the initiative, SVC Wraps for Kids partners will host what they hope will become an annual Bingo Bash at the Rogers Center in early November. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. and the games begin at 2 p.m. Attendees must be at least 18 years of age.
Tickets can be purchased online and include 10 regular games with six faces each, a bingo dauber and a buffet lunch. There will be opportunities to participate in special games, raffles, strip tickets and 50/50, and a cash bar will also be available. Cash and credit cards will be accepted at the event for additional purchases.
SVC education students traditionally hold fundraisers and collect donations throughout the year to support SVC Wraps for Kids. These efforts culminate each year on the first Saturday in December when more than 100 education students and faculty go shopping to fulfill the children’s wish lists and hold a gift-wrapping party in the Environmental Learning Barn at the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve.
In addition to gifts of toys and clothing, each child receives a stuffed stocking, a tin of popcorn, an ornament and a tote of toiletries for their family. Organizers expect to support more than 120 children this year.
“As an education department, we want our future teachers to understand their role in the lives of children, understanding that all children are not blessed with the things they need, and surely not with all they want,” said Dr. Kathleen Beining, who spearheads the project. Beining serves as an assistant professor of education in SVC’s School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
“We feel it is important that pre-service teachers realize they can make a difference for children by giving of themselves,” she added. “Christmas morning is that much more special knowing we came together to provide joy and hope for so many local families.”
Those who are unable to attend the event but wish to support the cause are invited to send cash or check gifts to:
Saint Vincent College
Attn: Education Department
300 Fraser Purchase Road
Latrobe, PA 15650
Please make checks out to SVC Wraps for Kids.
For questions or more information regarding the event or sponsorship email Kathleen Beining or call 724-805-2981.
