UDS bingo event to support puppy program

Lori Breece, manager with United Disabilities Services (UDS) service dogs, remembers the successful bingo event the organization held in 2019. "At that time that was our largest fundraiser to date," said Breece, who noted that the event garnered funds to help raise the 16 puppies that are trained yearly to become service dogs. The average cost of the first two years of training one dog is more than $25,000.

The UDS bingo fundraiser will return to the Farm and Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster, on Sunday, April 16. Doors will open at noon, and the first game will start at 1:30 p.m. Tickets, which are necessary to attend, will be discounted through Friday, April 14. Each ticket includes 20 games. Players must be age 18 or older, and tickets are limited. Food and beverage items will be available for purchase.

Breece noted that the UDS fundraiser is a little different from some other bingo events. "We allow people to pick their own prizes, and I think that kind of sets us apart," she said, noting that the option started years ago. "So if somebody wins and they want that Kate Spade bag, they can get it," she shared. "That has been well received."

Breece, administrative assistant Jennifer King, and other staff members, have been gathering prizes for the event, focusing on experiences. Breece described a tasting tour at Allegro Winery that includes cheese, crackers, a souvenir glass, and a free bottle of wine. "We have a 50-minute traditional massage and lunch in the Oasis at the Spa at The Hotel Hershey," said Breece. Another prize will be an experience for six at The Brewery of Hershey, which includes a guided tour of production operations and concludes with a tasting of products paired with local cheese, chocolates, and dried fruit. Four tickets to Hershey Gardens will be among the prizes, and organizers are working on putting together an overnight trip to Baltimore with National Aquarium tickets. Breece also hopes to have a Gettysburg excursion to give away, and King noted that Longwood Gardens tickets and sports memorabilia items associated with the 76ers, Flyers, Steelers, and Eagles are being gathered. Door prizes, special games with cash prizes, and other giveaways will be included at the event.

UDS service dogs are perhaps best known for helping individuals with mobility issues or autism. These dogs train for more than two years before they are partnered with an individual for whom they may open and close doors, retrieve objects, and more. Charlie, the black Labrador puppy that posed cooperatively with bingo cards for this article, began his training at 11 weeks. "Normally puppies start our program at 8 weeks," said Breece, who noted that in spite of starting a little late, the pup is doing well. "(Charlie) has been a shining star," she stated.

Readers who would like tickets may email karens@udservices.org or call 717-397-1841. Organizations, businesses, and individuals wishing to help sponsor a puppy may email lorig@udservices.org or call 717-715-8753.