Bingo players to win donated purses at Oaklawn Auxiliary party July 27

MARSHALL – A broad assortment of new purses has been collected as prizes for the Oaklawn Hospital Auxiliary’s third annual “Purse Bingo” party.

“When you shout ‘bingo,’ you win a purse instead of money,” said Ruth Albaugh, chairperson of the Auxiliary’s fundraising committee, and an organizer of the party. “We’ve had such successful turnouts the past two years that we thought we’d better do it again.”

The public is invited to attend from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, July 27, at the Moose Lodge, 1238 S. Kalamazoo Ave., Marshall. Participants are asked to use the south entrance. Doors open at 6 p.m.

“When we dreamed this up in 2013, we thought we’d be fortunate if we had 75 people show up for the first party,” she said. “But we had 131 show up, and about the same number came in 2014. Everyone has a great time and enjoys the high quality of the prizes.”

Reservations are not necessary, said Albaugh. Each top bingo winner will receive a purse instead of money during the party, she said. About 40 new purses will be given away.

“These purses are wonderful,” said Albaugh. “Several were donated by area businesses and are name-brand purses, including Vera Bradley, Rampage and Brighton. Each is valued at $45 or more.”

In fact, a few of the purses are valued at more than $175, including a Brighton design donated by The Hall Tree in downtown Marshall, and Coach and Anne Klein purses donated by local residents, she said.

Light refreshments and beverages will be provided at the party, which also will feature a 50-50 drawing. The admission fee is $12.

For additional information about the party, contact Albaugh at (269) 781-4656 or Jen Stapleton at (269) 789-7903.

The goal is to raise money to support the Auxiliary and its programs that benefit Oaklawn Hospital and its patients, Albaugh said. Auxiliary members are seeking additional prize sponsors in an effort to make the evening an exciting one, she added.