Deer Park Fundraiser Doubles Attendance; Raises Money for Holiday Program

The Santa Express program received a boost toward this year's holiday program after a sold-out fundraiser brought community members together for an evening of food, bingo, and giving. Approximately 70 people attended the Santa Express Dinner and Bingo fundraiser on July 23, nearly doubling attendance from last fall's dinner and auction. According to organizers, the event raised $1,878, along with two large boxes of donated gifts that will help stock the Santa Express "store" later this year. "It was fantastic!" said Rachel Meyer of Santa Express.

"We actually sold out of bingo cards and hotdogs." Held at the Deer Park Eagles, the fundraiser featured dinner, bingo with a unique twist that allowed players to steal one another's prizes, a 50/50 raffle, and a special drawing for a two-burner outdoor cooktop. Meyer said the special prize raffle generated the most excitement throughout the evening.

The bingo fundraiser was a first for Santa Express and proved to be a successful new format; Meyer said it raised roughly twice as much as last year's event. While fundraisers help support the program, Meyer noted that Santa Express also relies heavily on private donors, with significant support from the Deer Park Kiwanis Club. Meyer said proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to purchase gifts for the annual Santa Express program, which provides local children with a unique Christmas experience.

"Children in the community are able to come shop our 'store' for free to give their families gifts on Christmas," Meyer said. "They are not picking out gifts for themselves. It is teaching them the joy of gift giving rather than receiving." Approximately 10 volunteers helped make the fundraiser possible. Meyer also expressed appreciation to the Deer Park Eagles, with special recognition to Dave and Arena Aufdencamp for their support of the event. "Attendance and charitable-giving are essential components of any fundraiser," Meyer said.

"It is the difference between being able to have the Santa Express or not. We rely on donations to make it happen." One of Meyers' favorite moments of the evening was watching bingo caller Ryan Moore keep the crowd laughing with his entertaining jokes be- tween games. Although organizers have not yet decided what next year's fundraiser will look like, Meyer said they plan to hold another fundraising event to continue sup- porting Santa Express. Meyer said, "Thank you so much to all of you who take the time to help out, spread the word, and donate."