Trailways Camps to host Valentine Bingo
An inaugural fundraiser will support an island nonprofit focused on adults with special needs.
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.
“Trailways is hosting our first Valentine’s 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,” Executive Director Jamie Senkeleski said.
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.
“We 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,” she said.
The event will feature a total of 10 Bingo games, with a winner in each.
“Those will be cash prizes,” Miller said. “Those will be determined based on ticket sales.”
Attendees will also have the chance to bid on a variety of themed baskets.
“We’re going to have eight,” she said, adding that each has a speciality teddy bear and others items. “They’re individually themed based on what’s in them — some have wines, campers have donated art.”
The baskets can also be viewed and bid on in advance at the Trailways office on Sanibel.
Also at the fundraiser, there will be a 50/50 raffle, with tickets for sale.
Los Amigos BBQ is donating the meal.
“They’re going to have barbecue pork. They’ll have mac and cheese as an option for people who don’t prefer meat,” Miller said. “There’ll be baked beans, coleslaw, and refreshments that go with that.”
There will be ice tea, lemonade, water and such, and attendees are welcome to BYOB.
“If you want alcohol, you can bring that separately,” she said.
The Sanibel-Captiva Lions Club is the event sponsor.
“Benjamin was a Lions member. He loved to volunteer in their projects,” Miller said of her son, who — along with his brother, Robert — had a rare progressive disease and severe disabilities.
“It’s so gracious of them to sponsor this fundraiser for Trailways Camps,” she added.
Meal tickets are $25 per person, and capacity is limited to 100.
Bingo cards will be $10 each; cash only.
The community is encouraged to reserve a spot and take part.
“This is one of those feel-good events where every ticket truly makes a difference,” Senkeleski said. “People should grab their tickets early, enjoy a fun night out, and know they’re directly supporting Trailways campers and their families.”
Meal tickets can be picked up at the Trailways Camps office; payable by check only.
For more information, contact info@trailwayscamps.org.
The Trailways Camps office is at 1177 Causeway Blvd., Sanibel.
Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church is at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
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IF YOU GO
What
Valentine Bingo
Who
Trailways Camps
When
Feb. 5 starting at 5 p.m.
Where
Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
Details
Meal tickets are $25, with Bingo cards $10 each
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email