LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
CHRISMAN—If you’re looking for a fun night out and a chance to support some truly inspiring students, mark your calendars for May 3rd at 6:30 p.m. Chrisman FBLA is bringing the community together for an exciting Bingo Night fundraiser at the Chrisman American Legion.
This isn’t your grandma’s bingo night—though she’s more than welcome. The evening promises good food, great prizes and even better company, all in support of a remarkable cause: sending Chrisman High School FBLA to Nationals in Anaheim, Calif., in June.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m., and the festivities kick off with a mouthwatering meal available for purchase, including pulled pork sandwiches, chips, a drink and dessert, because no community gathering is complete without comfort food.
Once your belly is full, it’s time to daub those cards and shout “Bingo!” Participants can choose from three fun and cleverly named game packages:
νBeginner’s Luck: six faces (20 pack), two Bonanza cards (black out) and one Last Game card for $20.
νBingo Boss: nine faces (20 pack), three Bonanza cards (black out) and 1 Last Game card for $25.
νPower Player: 12 faces (20 pack), four Bonanza cards (black out) and 1 Last Game Card for $30
νA la carte: six face (20 pack) - $10; nine face (20 pack) - $15; 12 face (20 pack) - $20; Bonanza card - $3; Last Game card - $5.
Each package offers varying perks based on how much bingo you plan to play. So whether you’re there for a round or the whole evening, there’s an option that fits.
Thanks to the Chrisman American Legion, all bingo supplies have been generously donated, making this a truly community-driven effort.
Behind the laughter, prize-winning and dauber-slamming is a bigger mission. Gabriella Nolen, a member of Chrisman’s FBLA chapter, recently placed third in the “Intro to FBLA” event at the State Leadership Conference, an achievement that secured her a spot at Nationals.
“I honestly was just winging it,” Gabby said. “It’s one of the more common events, so I didn’t expect to place.”
But place she did, and her victory is even more impressive when you consider how much work went into preparing. Gabby spent around eight hours studying everything from FBLA bylaws and dress codes to competitive event structures and statistics.
“She really put in the time,” FBLA advisor Jamie Stokes said. “It’s an all-encompassing event that helps students understand the organization in depth.”
Beyond bingo, the FBLA chapter has been hard at work securing business sponsorships (for just $200, sponsors get a spot on next year’s chapter shirts) and has received generous donations from both the Chrisman American Legion and the Chrisman Community Club. But events like Bingo Night are essential to helping close the funding gap and ensure FBLA gets the full experience.
“This is more than a competition,” Stokes said. “FBLA gives students the opportunity to network, grow and explore their futures. It looks great on college applications, but even more than that, it builds confidence and connection.”
So, whether you’re a die-hard bingo player, a supporter of local youth or just looking for a fun Friday night, come out to the Chrisman American Legion on May 3rd. You’ll leave full, happy and knowing you helped a student chase a dream. You just might leave with a bingo prize, too.
Let the games begin!