Day: Seventeen
Organization: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles
Activity: Bingo Support
Today will in all likelihood go down as the most fun day of my thirty. When I set out on this journey, I knew I wanted to do something to help Big Brothers Big Sisters, as it’s an organization that has been close to my heart for a long time. For several years I served as a Big Brother to a wonderful young man named Sean, who I miss very much. And, when my former boss and mentor Anne Sweeney was honored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles a couple of years ago, I had an opportunity to work with members of the staff and volunteer team who make all of the magic happen. They are an amazing group of people doing amazing work, hence my desire to find a way to help them out.
So, I offered my services up to them and said I was willing to do whatever they needed. Well, they came back with one a heck of project for me — assisting with Bingo, a great way they raise funds. Now, if you are thinking, ”how hard could that be and what on earth would make it the most fun of the thirty days so far?,” then I think you are like me and have never stepped foot into a bingo hall.
Up until today, my experience with bingo was limited to grade school and some casual games at a friend’s house. What I saw today was nothing like that, this was hardcore. Sort of like witnessing an NFL game after having only seen Pop Warner games. The men and women playing bingo were focused, competitive and just plain fun!
I will let you watch the video for the full story, but if you ever get a chance to volunteer at bingo, jump at the chance!