An inaugural fundraiser will support an island nonprofit focused on adults with special needs.<\/p>\n
Trailways Camps will host its Valentine Bingo on Feb. 5 starting at 5 p.m. at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church on Sanibel. It will feature cash prizes for winners, plus a barbecue meal.<\/p>\n
\u201cTrailways is hosting our first Valentine\u2019s Day Bingo as a fun and meaningful way to raise funds for our campers and their families, while inviting the community to also get a chance to be part of something special,\u201d Executive Director Jamie Senkeleski said.<\/p>\n
Sharon Miller, who founded Trailways Camps with her husband, Jerry, explained that the proceeds from the fundraiser will help to pay for part of a camp session for adults who have special needs.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a long waiting list of people who have been to camp, who now have to wait five or six years to come back, because we prioritize the new applicants,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The event will feature a total of 10 Bingo games, with a winner in each.<\/p>\n
\u201cThose will be cash prizes,\u201d Miller said. \u201cThose will be determined based on ticket sales.\u201d<\/p>\n
Attendees will also have the chance to bid on a variety of themed baskets.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re going to have eight,\u201d she said, adding that each has a speciality teddy bear and others items. \u201cThey\u2019re individually themed based on what\u2019s in them \u2014 some have wines, campers have donated art.\u201d<\/p>\n
The baskets can also be viewed and bid on in advance at the Trailways office on Sanibel.<\/p>\n
Also at the fundraiser, there will be a 50\/50 raffle, with tickets for sale.<\/p>\n
Los Amigos BBQ is donating the meal.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re going to have barbecue pork. They\u2019ll have mac and cheese as an option for people who don\u2019t prefer meat,\u201d Miller said. \u201cThere\u2019ll be baked beans, coleslaw, and refreshments that go with that.\u201d<\/p>\n
There will be ice tea, lemonade, water and such, and attendees are welcome to BYOB.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you want alcohol, you can bring that separately,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The Sanibel-Captiva Lions Club is the event sponsor.<\/p>\n
\u201cBenjamin was a Lions member. He loved to volunteer in their projects,\u201d Miller said of her son, who \u2014 along with his brother, Robert \u2014 had a rare progressive disease and severe disabilities.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s so gracious of them to sponsor this fundraiser for Trailways Camps,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
Meal tickets are $25 per person, and capacity is limited to 100.<\/p>\n
Bingo cards will be $10 each; cash only.<\/p>\n
The community is encouraged to reserve a spot and take part.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is one of those feel-good events where every ticket truly makes a difference,\u201d Senkeleski said. \u201cPeople should grab their tickets early, enjoy a fun night out, and know they\u2019re directly supporting Trailways campers and their families.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meal tickets can be picked up at the Trailways Camps office; payable by check only.<\/p>\n
For more information, contact info@trailwayscamps.org.<\/p>\n
The Trailways Camps office is at 1177 Causeway Blvd., Sanibel.<\/p>\n
Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church is at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.<\/p>\n
\u2026..<\/p>\n
IF YOU GO<\/p>\n
What<\/p>\n
Valentine Bingo<\/p>\n
Who<\/p>\n
Trailways Camps<\/p>\n
When<\/p>\n
Feb. 5 starting at 5 p.m. <\/p>\n
Where<\/p>\n
Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel<\/p>\n
Details<\/p>\n
Meal tickets are $25, with Bingo cards $10 each<\/p>\n