When the Women's Club of Manheim hosts bingo on Sunday, Nov. 7, it will have a definite 2021 spin.

"We're doing a virtual bingo," said Shayna Sharp. "People will be able to access cards to play online through their computer or tablet or phone, or they can print them out and play at home. Then they can listen to the game through Zoom."

The event will begin at 1 p.m. and will feature a mix of prizes. "It's designer purses, including Michael Kors, Coach and Kate Spade, as well as themed baskets," Sharp noted. Themes will include Family Fun, Baby, Date Night, Christmas, Sweet Treats, Coffee Lovers and more. Giveaway drawings will also be held, featuring tickets to local attractions, including the Turkey Hill Experience, Lake Tobias Wildlife Park and Painting With a Twist, as well as other gift certificates and gift items. Numerous local businesses and organizations have sponsored games or donated prizes for the event, including Doe Run Furniture, Heistand Automotive, Baron Insurance Group and Sloan's Manheim Pharmacy.

This will be the second time the Women's Club of Manheim has held a virtual bingo, and the first event was very successful, Sharp said, noting that more than 100 people participated.

"People were hesitant with it being virtual. They were a little unsure of how it was going to work," she recalled. "I tell people, 'Don't be afraid to do a virtual event.' It went really smoothly."

An added benefit of the virtual setup was the opportunity to extend the reach of Women's Club supporters, she noted, adding that people from other states, including North Carolina, New York and New Jersey, played with local family and friends.

Small groups of friends can also get together to play even though the event is virtual, she suggested. "It's a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon supporting the community," she stated. "We had several small groups who got together last time and people said how much they enjoyed it."

Proceeds from the bingo will benefit local individuals and organizations. "One hundred percent of any of our fundraisers goes back into the Manheim community," Sharp explained. The Women's Club sponsors about 30 children in the Manheim Central School District at Christmas and also offers scholarships for senior girls. "We usually do three scholarships, but last year, we were able to do five because of how well we did with bingo," she stated.

Other projects of the club include supporting The Home on Ferdinand for single mothers and their children as well as activities at Pleasant View Retirement Community.

The club is hoping to hold an in-person bingo next spring.

To purchase tickets for the virtual bingo, visit https://womens-club-of-manheim.square.site/. For more information on the event, search for "Women's Club of Manheim Virtual Bingo" on Facebook or email Sharp at shaynaesharp@gmail.com.