OAKHURST — Scores of people donned shades of emerald and descended on the Oakhurst Community Center for Sierra Oakhurst Kiwanis annual spring bingo Saturday night, one of the nonprofit organization’s primary fundraisers for their charitable work to improve the lives of children throughout the foothills.
Students from the high schools’ Key Clubs were present to facilitate dinner and clean-up, and many Kiwanis members had been present since 9 a.m. to festively deck the halls and tables with green for the St. Patrick’s Day-themed event. Kiwanis stood by, ready to help any player who had questions or needed assistance.
It was a really fun night for many, with a generous number of items available for the silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and plenty of bingo action for all in what appeared to be a nearly sold-out event. The amount of work that goes into pulling the fundraiser together was evident and, as like to Kiwanis say, “it’s all for the kids.”
Later in the evening, some conflict arose, and local Kiwanis had this to say about that:
“St. Patrick’s Day is traditionally a day of fun and partying. Sierra Oakhurst Kiwanis put on a St. Patrick’s Day themed meal and Bingo Night that many attended on Mar. 18 at the Oakhurst Community Center. It was a very successful evening which pleases us, as it makes it possible for us to continue serving the youth of our mountain communities. We do appreciate that support.
“However, no amount of money is worth it when some get out of control and make it a very uncomfortable event for many attending. Those who chose to ignore the posted signage and brought in outside alcohol, and those who felt compelled to inappropriately verbalize sexual comments have been identified and will not be allowed at future events.
“A few have certainly jeapardized the future of such events for all. Please know Kiwanis is appalled by these behaviors and does not condone it in any way.” — Sierra Oakhurst Kiwanis
Our friends and I look forward to Kiwanis’ Bingo every year, and last night had our usual good time, happy to contribute to a great cause while having fun with family and neighbors. We hope the Kiwanis will be supported in their efforts to plan and execute another fantastic fundraiser and that we will be able to attend the event again next year. Yep!
