To win prizes & help animals in need: play Bingo!

If fun, excitement and prizes for practically everyone aren't enough, just keep in mind that 100% of all money raised will go toward helping with veterinarian bills for animals in need. 

I refer of course to the 4^th annual Bingo event sponsored by the Animal Protection League of NJ (APLNJ) next Saturday, May 4, at the Flemington Elks Lodge, 165 Route 31, Flemington.  Now a proven success, this is the organization’s main money raiser, and satisfied bingo players have made it happen.   

The event offers more than 90 chances to win -- including early bird raffle tickets, 50-50 cash specials and raffles, door prizes and over 60 tricky tray baskets.  Contents of those baskets alone are valued over $10,000, and include a $300 Amazon gift card, Kate Spade luggage, scratch-off lottery tickets, an iPad, a Fitbit and a cash jar, as well as gift cards for local businesses.   

For the 12 bingo games that come with admission, prizes feature designer pocketbooks, in-demand electronic devices and a Kitchen Aid mixer. Those who donate cat or dog food destined for two area rescue partners will get raffle tickets -- and gratitude -- in return.

There’s still time and reason to purchase a $30 admission ticket: those who buy by Tuesday, April 30 will get one “early bird” raffle ticket too.  Phone 732-446-6808, x 101; order online via bingo4animals.com or email: info@aplnj.org.  (Use the same contacts if you have questions.)  Players must be at least 18 years old. 

If you still need to round up all your friends for a fun night, tickets will also be sold at the door.  The Elks venue holds 250 comfortably, so there’s time to gather the gang.  The building is handicap-accessible, with plenty of parking.  

Area residents who can’t attend but want to be part of the event can request that a volunteer proxy player stand in for them for a chance to win prizes.  Proxy packages start at $30 and winners must be able to pick up in Flemington.

APLNJ will provide hot beverages and vegan sweet treats.  Those who come to play -- and probably win! -- can bring their own dinners if desired.  Doors open at 5:30 pm and play starts at 7 pm.

Sandra Warren Obi, APLNJ’s “cat lady” and once-yearly Bingo caller “with the weird accent,” urges organization members to promote the event on social media, “so people are aware of how awesome it’ll be and they can come along!” 

She mentions that a $240 Star Wars prize is included in this year’s selection, honoring the date now known as “Star Wars Day.”  And so, “May the 4^th  be with you!”

Once again this year, Obi teamed with Janine Motta, APL’s Programs Director, to pull the Bingo event together.  It’s  part of a long heritage: invented in Italy centuries ago as part of the Italian lottery, the game gradually became popular the world over.  Today in the US, charitable Bingo is reportedly worth $3 billion.

Let the 4^{th  --}  and the (Bingo) force -- be with you: come to APLNJ’s Bingo event.

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                                                                                                       ASPCA pic

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