The organization partnered with Davis Parent Nursery School to help fundraise during their monthly bingo game
By GIA LOOMIS — city@theaggie.org
Davis Odd Fellows hosted Second Sunday Bingo, a monthly game supporting various non-profit organizations in Davis on Sunday, Jan. 12. This month, Davis Odd Fellows decided to benefit the Davis Parent Nursery School (DPNS). Proceeds from the bingo game were donated to DPNS to support the school’s scholarship fund.
DPNS is a co-op, parent-participating nursery school that has served the Davis community for over 75 years. This month’s game gave participants a chance to support the preschool’s scholarship fund while also competing to win cash prizes of up to $250. DPNS has partnered with Davis Odd Fellows for the bingo game for multiple years, each year reapplying as the game offers a great source of fundraising for the school.
Davis Odd Fellows is a fraternal organization that focuses on “active community support as well as social activities for members, in addition to the historical traditions.” Chartered on April 12, 1870, the Odd Fellows remains the oldest organization in the city of Davis. As of 2022, its member count has grown to 375 and memberships over the past 10 years have quadrupled, naming it one of the largest Odd Fellows Lodges in California.
The Odd Fellows not only focus on supporting their members but also largely emphasize community support. Every year, the organization sponsors multiple community events as well as donating to and fundraising with many local non-profits. The Odd Fellows host multiple annual events that include, but are not limited to: Breakfast with Santa, the Zombie Bike Ride, the Davis Chocolate Festival and, most recently, their monthly Second Sunday Bingo game.
Second Sunday Bingo is a fundraiser for the Davis Odd Fellows and participating non-profit organizations. Since the bingo game’s introduction over a decade ago, the Odd Fellows have raised over $110,000 for local organizations through events like this one.
Each month at their Second Sunday Bingo game, the Odd Fellows choose a different non-profit to feature. Numerous non-profit organizations apply every September to secure their spot. Diana Schmiegel, Davis Odd Fellow’s Second Sunday bingo organizer, explained some of the process of becoming a beneficiary.
“We meet potential beneficiaries in late September through early October, and people apply,” Schmiegel said. “We work with local [501(c)(3)] organizations and we try to choose a variety of groups because we have many different types of people that attend our bingo games. So we try to feature a kids organization, an animal organization and more.”
The Second Sunday game is a great chance to benefit local organizations while playing bingo and serves as a multi-beneficiary source of fundraising for the community.
DPNS Director Becky Montgomery agreed with all of the benefits the bingo game offers.
“Odd Fellows has been hosting DPNS annually for several years now,” Montgomery said. “We appreciate the opportunity to work with them. Their bingo day is a fun and easy way to raise money for our tuition assistance program. Hopefully, we will be back next year.”
The Second Sunday Bingo game is a great opportunity for non-profit organizations and the Davis community alike. Next month on Feb. 9, Davis Odd Fellows plans to host the Second Sunday Bingo game benefitting the DaVinci Booster Club. Check out their website for specific times and more information.
Written By: Gia Loomis — city@theaggie.org