Gay Bingo

October 21, 2008

Our congregation has become a yearlong sponsor for monthly Gay Bingo at the Riviera Bingo Palace on Elmwood Avenue in Cranston. Every third Thursday night, fans gather to have an evening of bingo fun emceed by a local drag queen. Proceeds go to support AIDS Project Rhode Island.

 

Our church is listed on the promotional literature and publicity for the event and we get to call one bingo game each night. The event provides visibility for our congregation and underscores our commitment to diversity and being a Welcoming Congregation. It’s an event where our participation stands out and we reach out to a community that often feels excluded by conventional religion. It also gives visibility to a leader from our congregation and promotes our community events (like the Rhode Island International Film Festival’s horror festival at Bell Street).

 

By sponsoring Gay Bingo, we underwrite the costs of the event and the prize for the game, so that game fees go directly toward AIDS care and services, rather than administrative overhead. Each year, Gay Bingo raises thousands of dollars; many tens of thousands have been raised since the event began over a decade ago.

 

Originally, Miss Kitty Litter, Rhode Island’s gay First Lady, was the exclusive emcee. Now, each month brings a different hostess and a different style. On Nov. 20, the theme for the night will be Disney Gay Bingo and nonperishable food items are being collected (with an extra chance at a prize for donating!). There are door prizes and a raffle. Some nights, proof of green underwear gets you a special game card.

 

$16 gets you cards for the nine main games. $20 ($4 more) adds the special games to your pack. A dauber is a buck. There is an inexpensive snack bar with snacks and burgers. We reserve a table for Bell Streeters, so let us know you’re coming. Doors open at 6 p.m.; bingo at 7-ish. The Riviera Bingo Palace is at 1612 Elmwood in Cranston. Gay Bingo is R-rated, and alcohol- and drug-free. See Clara Hardy, Parish and Social Concerns Chairperson, for more information.

 

~Brian Kovacs

Posted by MeredythW | Filed Under Events & Activities 

Comments

Got something to say?