When the Potomac/Greenough Community Center board surveyed the community, 97 percent of those who responded requested Bingo Nights. Jan. 14 will be the first Community Bingo Night. All entry fees and prizes will be cash only.
POTOMAC - The Potomac/Greenough Community Center (PGCC) board has been looking for ways to bring the community together through hosting different events. On Jan. 14, a community Bingo Night will take place at the PGCC. Entry and prizes will be cash only, with the proceeds going towards community activities, PGCC maintenance and upgrades.
"We [the board] are looking for ways to get the community involved," the PGCC board chairman Jeanne Hall said.
In the fall of 2015, the board provided surveys to the community inquiring about which activities or events they would like to see offered. Garden clubs, open gym and family fun nights were some of the ideas played out during last year for community activities per request.
More than 97 percent of survey responses included requests for Bingo games. In providing monthly Bingo nights, the PGCC board hopes to promote community and raise funds that would go toward the community center.
The PGCC board formed a bingo committee. After eight months they received their gambling license. The first Bingo Night is planned for Jan. 14 at 6 p.m. at the PGCC. Concessions will be provided by the Potomac School eighth grade class as a fundraiser for their class trip in the spring.
"Since many of the things we plan to do benefit not only the community but also the school directly, the Parent/Teacher Club (PTC) has generously offered to let us use their Bingo supplies," said Hall.
PTC had concerns about the PGCC Bingo events competing for donations from local businesses if the PGCC Bingos were classified as casino nights.
The PGCC board did not want to compete with the PTC Bingo Night which is an annual event each spring. The PTC Bingo Night will be held at the Hilton in Missoula on May 13.
To alleviate the possible conflict with the PTC and community the PGCC board acquired a Bingo-only gambling license. That means the PGCC Bingo will be cash only with cash prizes and without donations.
Board members said their biggest challenge will be getting the word out and getting people to come. The PGCC board is excited to see how it will turn out.
"Right now, we have scheduled Bingo Nights Jan. 14 and Feb. 11 [at 6 p.m.] with more to follow as we receive input from the community," said Hall.
Reader Comments(0)