Bingo Night debuted in 2020 when Coach Alexandria Thomas mentioned the idea to Head Director Brooke Parlin. The Silver Spurs used to work Ranger games at the ballpark prior to Bingo Night’s organization, however, with few adult volunteers, the games became too difficult to manage, ultimately resulting in the creation of Bingo Night.
“We wanted an event that was a community event where people could come together and actually feel like we were contributing to our community [and] not just sell popcorn,” Coach Thomas said. “I love having events where the Spurs can get out and talk to people and serve the people that support them.”
Bingo Night funds the Silver Spurs’ spring show choreography, so that they can compete and hire outside clinicians that help keep the environment fresh.
“The purpose of Bingo Night is to bring an event that brings our community together and also something fun for all ages,” Coach Thomas said. “It also serves as a fundraiser for the Silver Spurs for their competition season.”
When attending Bingo Night, people had the opportunity to bid on baskets that contain items in hopes of winning at the end of the night. The Silver Spurs began preparing in December, so that they could receive the gifts and baskets in time, while also having enough time to advertise the event.
“Our community is awesome and businesses from all over create baskets and donate gifts toward our silent auction,” Coach Thomas said. “We have to order all items and prepare for the concessions that will be available.”
For Coach Thomas, Bingo Night fosters a sense of family and connection as friends and family come together during the event.
“I love Bingo Night,” Coach Thomas said. “Mostly because I love not only watching our Spur family coming together for family friends, but seeing all of the teachers and staff coming together to not only support the Spurs but to have fun together.”
The Silver Spurs prepared for Bingo Night by working in groups called squads that must achieve a certain number of sponsors and sell tickets. For senior Emma Beaudine, 1st Lt. of the Silver Spurs, her position as an officer makes her responsible for checking if her Spurs reached their sponsor and ticket goal.
“My favorite part of bingo night is definitely the community and everyone coming together to come and support the Silver Spurs,” Beaudine said. “It makes me feel really loved and appreciated and that all the hard work that we do throughout the year pays off because of all the people who come and support us and care about us.”
For the Silver Spurs, organizing Bingo Night meant arriving early on the day of the event to help set up. The event allows family and friends to enjoy themselves while simultaneously supporting the drill team.
“We get in the heat of different seasons of life, and it gets really stressful, but it’s always nice to come back to events like Bingo Night to remember what we’re here for and who we do it for,” Beaudine said. “We do it for the people who come and support us.”
Recently, Bingo Night was rescheduled because of inconvenient weather. Bingo Night occurred Feb. 7 and included a silent auction, bingo and concessions.
“We just want people to come in and enjoy the night. The more people, the better,” Coach Thomas said.
