Franklin Square neighbors invited to get their luau on at bingo party
Neighbors are invited to attend Franklin Square-based nonprofit Rescuing Families’ second annual luau bingo party on Aug. 9 at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2718.
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and bingo will start at 8 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to don their “luau finest,” to fit the theme of the event. The best luau shirt or outfit will be awarded at the event during the luau costume contest.
Event attendees can win raffle baskets, and scratch-off raffles throughout the event. Community members can pay as low as $5 to enter Rescuing Families’ progressive 50/50 raffle which will conclude at the end of the summer. The event is for community members who are more than 18 years old.
Tickets will be on sale until Aug. 5 and must be bought in advance.
“This is a very fun event,” Gina Centauro, founder of Rescuing Families, said. “Last year we got a lot of people who love the idea of being inside in the heat of the summer and not having an outdoor event and just being able to have a good time.”
Rescuing Families is expecting a crowd of about 150 attendees.
Neighbors are encouraged to visit RescuingFamilies.org/events where ticketing information is available. Tickets for the event are $35 and provide for five bingo games, the dinner buffet, drinks and fun galore.
To purchase additional bingo cards, attendees can pay $3 for each additional card. Raffle tickets for the Chinese auction will be sold for $5 and $10.
The goal for the event is to raise an additional $10,000 will go towards their next two projects: the VFW Post 2718 renovation and the Reyes’ Family home in Valley Stream. Rescuing Families is in the process of getting permits and materials for both projects.
The organization is actively seeking volunteers for its projects. Volunteers can find more information about how they can help by contacting Rescuing Families at (516) 697-9403.
The summer fun does not end with the luau bingo party as Rescuing Families continues to host events throughout the season.
A mystery box sale will be hosted at Extra Space Storage in New Hyde Park on Aug. 4 where community members can shop for treasured items. Boxes will be priced from $5 to $30 and include kitchen items, décor, collectibles, clothing and more.
Rescuing Families will also have a permanent space to call home Aug. 1. The nonprofit has purchased a building on Lewiston Street in Franklin Square that they plan to use at office space as well as a permanent thrift boutique and warehouse. Volunteer meetings will also take place there.
“We want it to be a multi-use type of building for us,” Centauro said.
The organization will host pledge drives to raise money for the operational costs of the building throughout the year. Community members can pledge to donate at the organization’s website. The hope is that the pledge drives will cover the cost of the building so that any additional money raised at fundraisers can be put directly towards upcoming projects. The organization has received $6,000 in pledges so far, according to Centauro.
Depending on the amount pledged, there will be specific thank you gifts for those who donate. Rescuing Families plans to create a “thank you” mural on the side of the building that will be visible from New Hyde Park Road.
Everyone who donates $100 will get their family or business name on the mural. The organization is also participating in a special sponsorship with local businesses where, for a donation of $2,000, they will get their business name and logo on a banner that will be hung on the building.
