Main Street holding new fundraiser Thursday night

WASHINGTON — Main Street Washington is looking to revamp an annual fundraising effort Thursday night, while also celebrating the group’s 15th year of incorporation, with a bingo bash at Lebowski’s.

“We had our org committee come up with something we could do that would be fun and a little bit outside the box … and it just so happens that Main Street is also turning 15 this year,” Main Street Director Samantha Meyer said. “And we just kind of combined them this year, so it’s a bingo bash celebrating 15 years of Main Street.”

Thursday night’s event will be ‘80s themed, according to Meyer, who said it would return in future years with different decade-based motifs.

Tickets for the event cost $50, and come with appetizers for the night, drink tickets, and a bingo card. Meyer said participants would be limited to one bingo card apiece, although they will have a chance halfway through the night to buy a new one if theirs proves unlucky. Those who want to buy in bulk can get tickets to fill an eight-seat table for $350.

In addition to the set of bingo prizes, Meyer said participants could buy a $20 ticket for a meat bundle drawing, in which everyone with a ticket will have a chance to pick a free package of meat provided by Eichelberger and Marek farms.

Asked about why Main Street chose a decade-themed Bingo bash for its new annual fundraiser, Meyer said the event would offer something different from the norm and accessible to anyone interested.

“We wanted to have something fun and easy that really any age could play, and it’s not labor intensive and didn’t have to be outdoors,” she said. “A couple members brought up trivia, but hospice already holds down the corner on really good trivia nights.”

With 17 tables worth of tickets already sold, Meyer said the fundraiser had already passed its first-year goal.

“It’s been fantastic support from the community,” she said. “It’s exciting.”

Tickets are available online through the city of Washington’s event calendar, Main Street Washington’s website, or at the door Thursday night. Doors open at Lebowski’s for the event at 6 p.m. Sept. 28, with bingo starting at 6:30, according to a flyer posted on the Main Street Washington Facebook page.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com