Tri Kappa Iota Chapter hosts Bingo Fiesta with raffle baskets, cash prizes, and a taco bar

On Friday, May 1, Tri Kappa Iota Chapter hosted its Bingo Fiesta event at Journeyman Distillery for more than a dozen chances to let the community win big.

Doors opened for the event at 5 p.m., and the bingo kicked off at 7 p.m. This gave people plenty of time to converse, grab a bite to eat, and check out some of the raffle baskets and goodies that were on the table. Tickets for the raffle were being sold prior to the bingo games.

Nycolle Shuta, co-event chair, believes this event is one of the most exciting celebrations that Tri Kappa Iota Chapter planned for the year.

 “This is one of our big annual fundraisers. It’s for us to raise money for Tri Kappa to put back into the community,” Shuta said. “We have 11 games for $200, and then a $500 cover all, along with a $500 cash raffle.”

Shuta considers this to be a versatile event, given how everybody has an opportunity to win. While bingo was the main event, this evening maintained a lively environment from start to finish.

“We have great raffle baskets, we have silent auctions, and we’re just trying to mix it up. We’re playing a lot of bingo, but then there’s also the ability to mingle and have some quick breaks to add to the atmosphere,” Shuta said.

Dani Dziedzinski, co-event chair, and the entire group of organizers went all out to bring the theme of the event to life.

“With the Bingo Fiesta as our theme, the taco bar is something that made the most sense,” Dziedzinski said. “We also have a vegetarian option, and people are able to serve themselves too. We also have sombreros all around here.”

While this is the first time that Tri Kappa lota Chapter has orchestrated an event at the Journeyman Distillery, they are thrilled to work together with them to host their bingo bash.

“It’s a wonderful space, and it’s very welcoming,” Shuta said. “There’s plenty of room to eat, network with others, play bingo, and simply enjoy the night.”

The women of Tri Kappa Valparaiso Iota Chapter work tirelessly every year to raise funds that directly benefit local students and community programs. Along with this Bingo Night, other events include the Taste of Valparaiso, the annual gala and the golf outing. Not only are these exciting community events, but they are vital to supporting scholarships for area students and grants for local nonprofits.

“Each of our fundraisers allow us to get a different reach, so it might not always be the same people attending every fundraiser,” Dziedzinski said. “This event is a little bit more of a casual and laid back experience.”

Members of Tri Kappa Valparaiso Iota Chapter do a lot of in-person work such as reading to preschoolers, conducting free preschool vision screenings, and serving meals to seniors through Meals on Wheels. The organization also serves breakfast to veterans, cooks at Hilltop House, and partners with local parks departments to be there for the community with compassion, consistency, and dedication.

Supporting the community is of the utmost importance for Tri Kappa Iota Chapter. Tri Kappa Valparaiso Iota Chapter, a philanthropic sorority rooted in charity, culture and education, continues to live out its mission of strengthening local communities through hands-on volunteerism and meaningful financial support. Fostering an inclusive environment is one of the keys to making the biggest impact on the community.

Tri Kappa Valparaiso Iota Chapter works daily to be a shining example of what can happen when women come together with a shared purpose, building a legacy of service, education, and kindness.

“We give 100% right back in Valparaiso, and all of our businesses that are sponsoring us are based in Valpo as well,” Shuta said. “It gives them an opportunity to reach out to their peers and their clientele as well.”

Upcoming events on the schedule for Tri Kappa Valparaiso Iota Chapter include the golf outing on August 17 at the Valparaiso County Club and the Taste of Valparaiso on October 22 at the Expo Center.

For more information on Tri Kappa Iota Chapter, you can visit trikappavalpo.org.