If there’s anything better than placing markers on a bingo sheet in hopes of winning baskets to add to a Longaberger collection and other prizes, it’s doing so while giving back to community, right?
The Lord Baltimore Elementary PTO thinks so, which is why this Friday, Jan. 25, they’re introducing their first-ever Longaberger Basket Bingo, to help promote technology in the Lord Baltimore Elementary School classrooms.
“It should be a great event,” said PTO Treasurer Jodi Thompson. “All of the proceeds go back to the children.”
The PTO raises many of the schools’ funds, including those for classroom reading material and field trips, through other fundraisers, such as the Christmastime poinsettia sale, and fall and spring book sales. Technology is another area of need at the school, according to the PTO.
“There are computers in each room,” said Thompson, “but there’s always more stuff out there that could help the kids, like new software.”
PTO President Tera Ellis said she is excited for this Friday’s event, following the book sale that was held last autumn.
“The past book sale we had in the fall was the best one Lord Baltimore has ever seen,” said Ellis. “It’s great to know we can be there for the kids so that they have the materials they need. The main thing we can do is make sure that the PTO is working with the children.”
Interactive smart-boards, which combine the use of a computer and projector, encouraging student participation, are among the priority to help improve classrooms at Lord Baltimore.
“The school’s doing well,” said Ellis, “but we’re a little behind in the technological aspect. If we can bring the kids up to times with the money we raise, they’ll have a stronger education.”
Pam Webb, vice president of the PTO, said she has high hopes for the bingo turnout.
“It’s something fun that the community can do to support the kids,” she said. “It’s a nice alternative from sending kids door-to-door selling things, and lots of people can enjoy themselves.”
Many local businesses contributed donations to sponsor the baskets that will be available for bingo-goers, while other companies donated prizes of their own.
“We have a lot of great gifts that will be handed out in the baskets,” Webb added, “so people can win some great things, like golf packages; so that there’s more than just the baskets themselves. We’re really appreciative of the support we receive from every business in the community. They help out a lot. We’re anxious to see how this will go.”
The event benefiting the PTO will be presented by the Kiwanis Foundation of Rehoboth Beach, which has been instrumental in helping young students over the years.
“This is just one way we can help to give back to the community,” said Kiwanis Foundation president Rosemary Cummings.
Doors at Lord Baltimore Elementary School will open for the Longaberger Basket Bingo at 6 p.m. on Jan. 25, and the games will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for $20 up until 6 p.m. on Friday evening and for $25 thereafter. For tickets or more information, call (302) 732-6501.