Third annual “Blingo” fund-raiser to benefit people with disabilities

Those looking to enjoy a fun night out while supporting people with disabilities should plan to attend the third annual Sassy Baggs & Beyond “Blingo” fund-raiser Wednesday, February 6.

The event will be held at The Resource Center’s administrative offices at 200 Dunham Avenue in Celoron. Doors will open at 6:00, with the Blingo games starting at 7:00. Those planning to attend should park in the rear lot and use the entrance at the top of the ramp.

The evening will feature 12 games of bingo, with handbags (from designers such as Fossil, Betsy Johnson, Michael Kors, and Jessica Simpson) as prizes. In between the Blingo games, there will be drawings for additional prizes donated by area merchants.

Admission is $20. Included in the cost of admission are the Blingo games and a chance to win a door prize.

The event is being organized by Filling the Gap, Inc., which works with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities in Chautauqua County. Money raised through Sassy Baggs & Beyond Blingo will benefit The Resource Center Look Good Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.   The Look Good Fund was established by former area resident and Resource Center Board of Directors member Margaret Look, who wanted people with disabilities to be able to obtain money for things such as a haircut or new work clothes.

Blingo organizers saw a large increase in the number of attendees last year, and they expect even more people will attend this year’s event.

“It’s a fun night out for the gals and a perfect Valentine’s gift for your sweetie,” said Victoria Trass Bardo, Development and Events Manager for Filling the Gap. She added that while the event mainly attracts women, men are welcome to come and play Blingo.

Tickets are available at The Resource Center’s offices on Dunham Avenue and at Filling the Gap’s offices inside the Felice Corporate Center at 92 Fairmount Avenue in Jamestown. There are a limited number of tickets, and if the event does not sell out, then tickets will be available at the door. For more information, phone Vicky at 661-1477.

Employees of Filling the Gap, Inc., display some of the gift certificates donated by area merchants while sitting around the handbags that will be given away as Blingo prizes. Pictured from left are Mary Johnson, Kayla Bohall, Victoria Trass Bardo, Brenda Bunce, Ashley Hammond, and Cindy Phillips.