On Dec. 2, Delaware Valley FBLA hosted a holiday bingo to raise money for their community service project, “Bridging the Gap.” 

14 games were played, including four specialty games. Specialty games were an extra $10 to play and had special arrangements on the board to win. Specialty prizes ranged from Michael Kors purses to gift cards. Regular game prizes included an outdoor game set to a mini waffle maker and sandwich press. Baskets were bought from donations from sponsors and early ticket sales. 

$660 was raised from day of sales and from the specialty baskets. In total, the DV chapter raised $1,190. 

“This event positively impacted the community by bringing both students and the community together for a day of fun without any stress,” Delaware Valley community service director Mia Thompson said. “It was just a good time in support of our fellow community members.”

The money raised from the event went towards buying supplies for winter care packages for the elderly in the area, including hats, gloves, scarves and hand warmers.

In order to get sponsors, DV FBLA members called an assortment of local businesses. Not only did this provide the money for the event, but it allowed members to get outside their comfort zone and network within their community. 

“The calls helped expand my skills,” volunteer Emily Cronin said. “I was pretty scared the first one or two, but eventually, I got a handle on it and felt a lot more comfortable doing it.  

According to Thompson, the hope is that this event continues to happen annually and raise money for the variety of community service endeavors the chapter is involved in. 

“I love this event because I really enjoy getting to connect with people in our community we don’t usually get to,” Thompson said. “It’s also a great activity for the members to learn how to host an event, work an event and just communicate with others.