Bingo at Carmichael Elks Lodge aids special-ed students and San Juan School District families. Volunteer Bingo caller Martin Ross (in tux), joins San Juan parent Joe Shannon II (left); Elks Exalted Ruler Theresa Goldsmith; lodge officer Steve Justeson and charity representatives Ryan Digman and Dina Gray. Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Monday night bingo at the Carmichael Elks Lodge is fundraising for local charities.

With a jubilant cry of “Bingo!” The Elks recently donated $1,000 to San Juan Unified School District’s Special Education Advocacy PTA (SEPTA).

The new non-profit supports families of more than 7000 disabled students in SJUSD schools. Its volunteers work to provide advocacy, inclusion and resources for members whose children receive special education services.

On Aug. 31, organization president Ryan Digman and 20 SEPTA volunteers joined 120 bingo fans at the Cypress Avenue lodge.

“I’d played bingo before,” said Digman. “This time, it was an exciting occasion. A couple of our group won some money. Some bingo regulars donated to us from their winnings.”

Outreach was a major perk. “We met lots of people and told them about what our group was doing,” Digman continued. “Many bingo players had connections to children with special needs.  San Juan is the seventh-largest school district in California, with more than 7000 young people in Special Education programs. We’re a brand-new organization and we cover the entire district.

“Students and their families truly need our support. We encourage them to be a voice. Any funds we raise help us to grow and help children to succeed.”

“We’re appreciative that the Elks quickly got us on their calendar as bingo beneficiaries,” said Digman. “They were super-welcoming.”

The SJUSD charity is among many causes aided by Lodge 2013’s bingo nights. Almost 90 per cent of proceeds go to charitable groups. Exalted Ruler Theresa Goldsmith said the weekly event continued a long tradition of giving back by the lodge.

“Our bingo has supported hundreds of local non-profits,” reported Goldsmith.  “Helping community is the heart of Elkdom. It’s heartwarming to know a game of bingo can do so much good.”

Carmichael Elks Monday night bingo is open to the public. Games begin at 6:45 pm.  Anyone over 18 can participate. For information, call the lodge at 916-489-2103.

Learn about San Juan School District’s SEPTA group at www.inclusivesjusd.org