On October 13, the Encinitas Community Center filled with greetings and chatter as more than 200 women arrived for Coastal Encinitas Rotary’s fifth annual Purse Bingo Fundraiser. After checking in, players caught up with old friends and made their way to their assigned tables. Fresh flowers brightened the tables, while hot pink dresses and feather boas gave the room a festive girls’ night out feeling.
The men serving throughout the evening were CER members, members’ spouses or past members. Two sharply dressed men roamed throughout the room selling raffle tickets. The $40 wingspan option stole the show, with players enjoying the chance to watch the sellers compare their reaches. At the food line, the men served pizza and salad, and the pizza was once again a player favorite. Tuxedo-clad men tended two bars. At the new tequila bar, Chef Don Heiser, a tequila expert, and his helper served handmade margaritas, both clad in appropriate white chef jackets. Their attentive service added a touch of class and fun to the girls’ night out.
When the first game began, the room went quiet. Heads down, players listened closely and watched their cards, hoping to win one of the carefully selected designer purses. There were eight Bingo purses, five raffle purses and three live-auction purses—16 designer bags to be won, including one from Paris.
After the first game, some players tried to claim “BINGO!” with a raised hand or a voice so quiet it was hard to hear. MC John Van Cleef called for a practice round so no winner would be missed. He counted, “One, two, three!” and more than 200 women shouted “BINGO!” loud enough to be heard well beyond the ballroom. That’s when the fun really got going.
The purses weren’t the only prizes. The silent auction featured gift cards worth $25 to $100, though bidders didn’t know the value until they won. Some made out very well. New this year, eight players found Golden Tickets in their goodie bags and received gift cards to favorite spots such as HomeGoods, See’s Candies, Nordstrom and more.
Even the final game brought a surprise: the arrow pattern on the screen ran opposite to the pattern printed on the players’ game sheets. Chairwoman Gretchen Mitchell quickly pivoted and play continued.
Twenty-five of CER’s 38 members, 66% of the club—helped plan and carry out the event. Thank you to each member for the time and expertise they contributed.
Thank you to MC John Van Cleef, CEO of the Community Resource Center, for guiding the players through the games.
Event sponsors were Mario and Cindy Yco of Yco Facial Plastic Surgery; Linda Conover of Leucadia Pizza; Don Heiser of Firehouse Gourmet; Renato Cautela; SugarBears Sweet Provisions Encinitas; Gretchen Mitchell of Coldwell Banker Realty; and Jan Dickieson of California Custom Creations.
Proceeds supported Carol’s House at the Community Resource Center, DreamKeepers Inc. for Family Recovery Center, and the Alabaster Jar Project.