Bingo fundraiser returns for Greensburg Hempfield Area Library

After a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic, the Greensburg Hempfield Area Library’s annual bingo fundraiser is set to return next month.

The Lucky 7th Annual Bingo Benefit — a fundraiser for Greensburg Hempfield Area Library is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. May 15 at the West Point Fire Hall, 100 Volunteer Drive. The event, which costs $25 per person, includes lunch, a dauber and all cards needed for 24 different types of bingo games. Winnings range from $50 to the $1,000 jackpot.

In addition, door prizes, strip tickets, a 50/50 and basket raffles will take place throughout the event.

The fundraiser was first held in 2015. Since then it has grown into a major event for the library, generating $18,700 in 2017, $20,500 in 2018 and $19,000 in 2019.

The past two years, however, the event was canceled because of the pandemic, which “was in the best interest for the safety of all staff, volunteer and attendees,” said library Director Jamie Falo. Because the loss of funds involved with canceling the event, Falo turned to no-contact fundraisers and applied for the Paycheck Protection Program and various grants.

The pandemic also forced the facility to shutter as stay-at-home orders went into effect in early 2020. By August 2020, it reopened, although patrons were only permitted to browse for 15 minutes. It wasn’t until 2021 that the library resumed normal hours.

Officials are now aiming to raise $20,000 during this year’s event, said spokeswoman Kimberly Tuscan.

The library is looking for event sponsors as well as donations and assistance with selling tickets. Those interested can call the library at 724-837-5620, or stop in during business hours.