Charity Bingo

So you're thinking of
holding a charity bingo event? So what factors do you need to
consider?

Who is it in aid of?

We assume that you have
a specific charity in mind. But it may be that you consider a bingo
evening would be popular and so would like to get as much good from
it as possible? It could even be that you hold it simply as a local
social event that simply pays for itself. The charity aspect
therefore is what you are doing for those bingo players attending.

Venue

You don't want to be
turning people away on the night. But nor do you want to end up
paying for a large venue and end up all huddled up in one corner. So
think about who will be likely to attend. If in doubt start small. If
you end up in the enviable position of having too many bingo players
attend then just make alternative arrangements the next time.

And don't overlook the
obvious - you need tables to lean on and chairs to sit on!

You may even find that
a local bar would be very happy to allow the event to be held at
their premises free of charge. After all - you are setting up and
making the arrangements. For them its an opportunity to attract more
custom - hopefully on a regular basis.

What equipment do you need / have?

If this is to be a
regular event then the temptation is probably to invest in some
decent equipment. But just consider whether this is really necessary
at the moment? How confident are you than you can continue to 'pull
in the crowds'? Wouldn't it be wiser to hold you first event and see
how it goes?

So what do you actually
need? Some bingo balls and bingo cards will cover it. The balls can
be drawn form a bag or box and the cards could be printed off the
internet (but do make sure they are all different! It will be
slightly embarrassing when 25 people all shout 'BINGO' at exactly the
same time!). Though you will find that bingo tickets can be bought in
bulk remarkably cheaply simply because of the popularity of events
such as this.

Do you have a bingo caller?

Are you thinking of
doing this yourself? Or does the idea of standing up in front of
(hopefully!) lots of people daunting? In which case you will need to find someone who is willing to act as bingo caller.

Let's assume that you
are going to do this yourself. Ensure you have a drink handy to start
with - you 'll need it! Are you wanting to liven the evening up
with some traditional bingo calls? Great! - but you really don't have
to learn them off by heart. Keep a list of them with you as you make
your calls. Most people probably won't even realise!

And do make sure that
both you and the bingo caller actually understand the rules and know
how to play bingo!

How will you split the ticket money?

For instance - it creates more winners (and more
happy bingo players) to have several smaller wins on full lines or
corners. But this will also diminish the size of the overall bingo
win and so has less appeal and attraction for everyone involved.
Every bingo player likes the sound of a big win!

It could also be that
you keep back a little from each game to go towards a massive prize
for the end of the evening. This has the advantage of everyone going
home remembering the big cash game that they could have won ....

But whatever you decide
it will be worth informing everyone before you start. Many will count
up the numbers playing or the amount of books sold and quickly
realise that the cash in is more than the cash going out. And fingers
will then start pointing! So if you are keeping some back for a big
final game, or to pay for the hire of the hall then inform everyone
at the start. And if a percentage is being kept back for which ever
charity or organisation you are playing for then be certain to
mention this as well. That is after all the idea of the evening!