The Wildwood Community Center was filled to capacity by students, faculty and supporters of Wildwood Elementary School. They were there for the annual Chili Bingo Night fundraiser. Principal John Temple explained that all of the prizes and food were donated by local businesses, volunteer groups, clubs and local churches.
”Everything raised is pure profit,” he said.
Fourth grade teacher Paul Mannino came up with the idea for the Chili Bingo Night eight years ago.
“I heard about a school in another state having an event like this so I look into how we could do it here.”
The first couple of Chili Bingo Nights were held at the school, but rapidly outgrew the space available and the event was moved to the community center.
Volunteer Randall Thornton called the bingo numbers as the balls were selected. Thornton has been doing this for several years.
He is a member of the Wildwood Rotary Club which has been a big supporter of the event.
It Takes A Village volunteer group of The Villages was represented by Linda terburg of the Village of Hadley and Patt Harvey who lives in the Village of Duval. Their group has helped the local schools with a number of events. They sponsored the Donuts with Dad event in March and will sponsor the Muffins with Mom event in May.
They also host a teachers appreciation dinner which is held at the Palmer Legends Country Club. The group also has helped to promote reading by volunteering in the schools. Ten large prize baskets were donated by the It Takes a Village group for the fund raiser.
Principal Temple said the school has 700 students and 56 teachers. The chili bingo fundraiser funds the entire budget for student field trips. This year, the Chili Bingo Night raised $6,543.50 to fund student trips.
The enthusiasm of the staff and their commitment to the school were summed up by the school resource officer, Deputy Pam Warren “I really want to be able to do more for the children.”
