The success of the Columbia Dream Center's annual bingo event is the perfect example of being in the right place at the right time.

As Cheryl Schmidt, fundraising coordinator, explained, she was attending an event in 2022 when she struck up a conversation with a woman about the event's beneficiary.

"It turned out that her daughter worked for the Dream Center, and she was very passionate about helping the cause," Schmidt recalled. "She mentioned they would like to do a bingo, but no one had the knowledge of how to organize one. As it turned out, I had already successfully organized and ran many bingos and events for other nonprofits and volunteered to meet with them and help them."

The Columbia Dream Center's first bingo was held in 2023, and each year, the event has grown in scope and size.

The third annual Columbia Dream Center Bingo will be held on Saturday, March 29, at the Knights of Columbus, 1575 New Danville Pike, Lancaster. Doors will open at 11 a.m., and bingo will begin at 1 p.m.

"There will be 20 games of regular bingo and four special games - sold separately - (giveaways) and bonus games," shared Jenn Hollinger, outreach coordinator for the Columbia Dream Center. "Anyone who brings a donation of new socks or underwear for the clothing bank will be entered to win a prize."

Bingo prizes will include designer handbags and Yeti products, along with some gift cards.

"We will also have some fun extras available in the way of 'mystery eggs,' a drawing for the first 75 tickets sold and some other surprises on the day of the event," Schmidt said. "There will be 50-plus baskets and items on the (giveaway) table ranging from gift cards to baskets of items to handbags and wallets to fun activities. We have something for everyone!"

Attendees can also enjoy food and beverages while they play.

"The kitchen will be stocked with lots of homemade goodies: chicken corn soup, walking tacos, deli sandwiches, pulled pork, mac and cheese, fruit, veggies, snacks and lots of homemade desserts, so make sure to come hungry," Schmidt recommended.

The event will support the Columbia Dream Center, located at 360 Locust St., Columbia, which provides shelter, food, clothing and additional services for those in need.

"The proceeds from the event will be used for all of the services we provide here at Columbia Dream Center," Hollinger remarked. "It will help purchase food, equipment and supplies for our food and shelter ministries, as well as pay utility bills and help maintain our building." Each ticket sold will help provide lunch for 10 children over the summer, food for 30 families for a month or one and a half nights of food and shelter for one person, she said.

Hollinger noted that along with Schmidt, Maria Boomer has been instrumental in the event's success. Hollinger added that all giveaway prizes are donated by local businesses, and the organization is still seeking sponsors for handbags or Yeti items. For more information on donating or sponsoring, contact Boomer at dreamctrbingo@gmail.com.

Schmidt said the event is always well attended, and she encourages new people to come to this year's bingo.

"If you enjoy playing bingo and having fun and a chance to go home with some amazing prizes, this is the event for you," she said. "More than that, however, if you have a heart for helping others and a passion to give back, you will be supporting such an amazing cause that provides so much for so many on a sparse budget. We focus on providing desirable bingo prizes as well as a good variety of (giveaway drawings), specials and food at a fair price."

Schmidt noted that the bingo is just one of many planned community events for the Dream Center.

"Our events continue to grow each year, and we will be having some other events coming in the future, so I encourage you to follow the Columbia Dream Center on Facebook to find out more," she said.

All entrants to bingo must have a ticket. Children over the age of 10 may play bingo, but an adult must claim the prize.

Tickets may be purchased in advance for a discount. To purchase tickets, visit https://bit.ly/4hp13ox, Venmo @Cheryl-Schmidt-41 with an email for ticket confirmation or call 228-437-4876 for cash sales. Tickets will be available on the day of the event at the door if not sold out.

For more information on the Columbia Dream Center, visit https://columbiahas.org.