The crowded Bingo hall at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Calabash Post 7288 fell to an excited silence on Thursday night, September 3, just before the normal weekly Bingo game started. "Welcome Bingo Players! " announced VFW Bingo chairwoman Shari Weaver, as she does every week, but there was no need for her explanation of the delay for the raffle drawing, as patrons nervously clutched their raffle tickets hoping to be a winner.
VFW Calabash Post 7288 had been selling raffle tickets since June for an overflowing basket containing valuable gift certificates and merchandise, mostly from local Calabash merchants, who donated prizes. This is the second basket conducted by the VFW Auxiliary this year. The first one was such a success in the spring they repeated it for the summer. This "Large Summer Raffle basket” is worth over $650. They are already collecting donations for a "Fall Basket Raffle”
The major prize was a Sandpiper’s golf package for four golfers including greens fee and cart. Sandpiper’s has been very generous in their support of the VFW. Other prizes include Scentsy fragrance products, bingo packages, bingo daubers and gift certificates from many local merchants and restaurants. The post has been selling tickets since June to lots of supportive folks who frequent the post like the weekly Bingo players, the VFW Dart League, various groups who meet at the hall, and, of course, VFW members and friends. All of them joined in the fun to take a chance, donating a little something that adds up to a big something that will benefit Veterans Programs in our community.
Shari Weaver introduced post commander Wayne Grigsby to draw the winning ticket. He thanked the Bingo players for their ongoing support and mentioned the important work the post was doing to help Veterans in our community through the generous support of the members of the community. Reaching into the clear plastic box held above his head, he swirled the tickets around and around before he pulled out the winner. The crowd collectively held their breath hoping their name would be called.
"The winner is…Phil Watson” said Shari to the roar of applause. "You’ve got to be kidding!” said Bob Watson, smiling. He is Phil’s brother. He volunteers, working at Bingo and was holding a losing ticket. Phil is a member of the Dart League and was not present, but quickly arrived to claim his prize and couldn’t believe the abundance of prizes the gift basket contained.
A second ticket was drawn. The second place prize was a lovely wreath created by Bingo Player, Glenda Hock, and donated to the VFW for the drawing. This was won by Jeanine Crosby.
VFW Calabash Post 7288 Auxiliary hosts BINGO every Thursday night. The public is welcome. Doors open at 4 PM and the kitchen is open at 4:30 to serve delicious and affordable meals like Burgers, Hot dogs, Shrimp baskets or Chicken Fingers. The first game starts at 6:20. Cash prizes are available every week.
VFW Calabash Post 7288 thanks all the patrons, members and local businesses for their generous support.
Team VFW Post 7288 builds camaraderie among United States Veterans of overseas conflicts and the Auxiliary in order to serve Veterans, the military, our community and advocates on behalf of all Veterans. If you are a veteran that served in a war zone you may be eligible to become a regular member. If you have a family member who served in a war zone you may become a member of the Post's Auxiliary. Come by the Post to see what we are all about and pick up a membership form.
