Barksdale Cancer Foundation’s 7th annual bingo raises over $6,000

By April Hall, Staff Writer

WYLLIESBURG – The cloudy, cold first day of spring didn’t darken the spirits of Barksdale Cancer Foundation supporters as they came out in droves on Sunday, March 20 to the Bacon District Volunteer Fire Department’s bingo hall to participate in the foundation’s seventh annual event. Doors opened to the public at 1 p.m. and the tables began filling quickly. Neighbors, friends, family and many cancer survivors and current cancer patients were in good spirits, sharing smiles, hugs and stories as they waited for the games to begin at 2 p.m.

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Wendy Lankford, president of the Barksdale Cancer Foundation, welcomed all in attendance and thanked them for their support. Excitement was in the air as the bingo balls were dropped and volunteer Evan Stembridge called out the first number. Within minutes the first bingo was called and sounds of joy filled the room. Unlike typical bingo games that are played for money, the competition at the foundation’s bingo is fun and heart-warming as everyone cheers and claps when a ‘good’ bingo is confirmed. Numerous bags, accessories and prizes were given away in a quick first round of play. Door prizes were drawn immediately following round one, along with a 20-minute intermission that allowed participants the opportunity to buy delicious foods prepared and sold by volunteers. Also, a special gift bag was presented to the oldest cancer survivor present, Shirley Brown of Charlotte Court House. The second round of bingo was concluded with a “cover all” game for participants, followed by raffle ticket drawings to bring the day’s events to a close.

This year’s event brought in $6,031.39, surpassing all previous years’ totals, making this the highest bingo fundraiser to date. Approximately 160-170 people were in attendance.

“I would like to extend thanks to all for making the annual event such an overwhelming success,” said Lankford. “The residents and businesses of Charlotte County are such awesome supporters of our organization. They know that every item they donate and every penny they contribute goes directly to the care of a county resident who is battling cancer.”