Happy New Year! 2024 is here already – and we have no snow, crazy, isn’t it? I remember once in my life maybe that we didn’t have snow on Christmas and now this year. I looked in my perennial garden today and I have phlox coming up already – I’d definitely be ok if we skipped winter and I could already start my garden planning.
2023 was a GREAT year regarding charitable gambling. Even with the new changes and all of that hullabaloo we still stayed strong. We added Mike’s Pub in Hibbing and The Alibi Bar in Gilbert this year. So that means we get to give away so much more in those areas.
In December, we were able to give away over $10,000 again to folks in our surrounding communities – I know you know it, but that is honestly the best part of this job! It’s such a great feeling knowing we’re helping our own students, Veterans, community members, etc.
In December we had a BLAST helping with the Stuff the Ambulance for the Salvation Army. We donated $1,000 to that event (it was their best ever!) We also donated $500 to the Mesaba Range VFW Post; 10 Students of the Month scholarships at $150 each, $500 to the MN Elks Youth Camp Scholarship Fund in memory of Bill Schindele. Warren Pulford Scholarship fund received $500 to give a scholarship to a student going into the music field. Chisholm Chamber of Commerce, $500; Gilbert VFW Auxiliary for the Gazebo project $250; Rock Ridge DECA $500, Rock Ridge Takedown Club $500; Rock Ridge High School World Wars Class – $500; Mesabi East Archery Club – $500; MN North Virginia for a MLK Day Family Event; Care Partners, $500; Light After Loss $500; Rock Ridge Dance Team $500; Faith United Lutheran Church $500; NE MN Jr. Curling Association – $500; Mesabi Musical Theater $500. We also were able to purchase the cocoa and marshmallows for the stuff the ambulance event, the candy and hot dog meals for the Santa Visit event and the trophies for the Hoop Shoot! We take great pride in all of our donations!
Bingo is still going strong every week on Monday nights at Jim’s in Chisholm, Thursdays at the Downtown Bar in Gilbert, Friday’s at our Lodge and every other Sunday afternoon in Gilbert at the VFW.
The next big event we’re planning through gambling is our 2nd Annual Purse Bingo – slated for February 10th. Watch Facebook for more information. We will have ten bingo games for $40. Cash only, but you can reserve your space. This year is a surprise as to who will benefit from the proceeds, but I’m sure it’ll be a very worthwhile cause! If you’re interested in joining us and to save a space, send me an email to evelethelksevents@gmail.com with your name and the number of tickets you’d like to reserve.
Thank you to all of our charitable gambling sites and partners, because of you we are able to continue supporting our communities in so many ways. If you are in need of a donation for your group, do not hesitate to send us a letter of request. We cannot give away money without a request. You can send directly to the lodge at PO Box 686, Eveleth, MN 55734.
Happy New Year to all of our members and guests. My wish is that the new year will bring new adventures, new hope, new light and many smiles and laughs to all of you. Thank you for your continued support.