Bingo? Dismiss any conjured up perceptions of grannies with a chip on their shoulder, kvetching about their thankless families while struggling to read the numbers of their bingo cards from underneath their readers. This was a crowd of competitive dauber savants. God help you if you got it wrong and called Bingo when you should’ve been sipping on your bevvy and minding your biz.
This cheerful and amicable (yet high-stakes) gamer fundraiser was one where one could mention the unmentionables. Welcome to the 2024 edition of Bingo and Briefs, presented by CenterPoint Energy, supporting Undies for Everyone.
The laid-back atmosphere of the SPJST Lodge 88 in the Heights became a lively battleground, with 370 attendees raising $175,000. At the helm of this afternoon gathering was Rabbi Amy Weiss. This CEO and founder is also a 2022 CNN hero who solves an often invisible problem.
Players-cum-supporters showed up in force — no free space in the cafetorium — huddled around tables laden with candy, chips, and guacamole. The event setup, along with crowd favorite Tacos A Go Go, ensured that every player was well-fed and pepped up, primed to vie for one of the many prizes. Sponsors included HEB, TDECU, United Airlines, Reliant, and Lisset Garza.
“We’re thrilled to host Bingo and Briefs in such a relaxed setting, where friends can come together to support a simple yet vital mission,” remarked Megan Ryan, chair of Undies for Everyone. “Providing kids in need with new underwear is a small but meaningful way to help them thrive — and tonight, we’re doing that while having a bit of fun.”
The crowd’s energy was set ablaze as Jim Grace and Barry Mandel took on the roles of callers, guiding the participants through rounds of classic bingo. Winners included Nancy Rothfeder, Leah Shapiro, Tiffani Tatum, and Amit Misra, who joined others in celebrating their victories.
Between rounds, Stephanie Magers took the stage to lead a spirited game of Heads or Tails, with Rosie Hernandez ultimately claiming the prize, further thrilling the crowd.
The organization’s mission to provide children in poverty with basic dignity underwear struck a chord. Ryan shared a personal story of her journey with Undies for Everyone, from her early days as a Junior League member to witnessing the organization grow into a national powerhouse that distributed 1.6 million pairs of underwear to kids across the country this year.
Reflecting on the cause, Rabbi Weiss summed up the party’s unique charm, saying, “Our supporters love the casual atmosphere of Bingo and Briefs — it’s a chance to provide kids with basic dignity while relaxing in jeans. There’s nothing quite like it.”
Hoping for a big payout were Rabbi Oren Hayon, Rabbi Pamela Silk, Carey Kirkpatrick, Sally Anne Schmidt, Nicole Romano, Winnie Simmons, Nic Phillips, Barbara Loeser, Mimi Swartz, John Wilburn, Jill Jewett, Jason Ryan, Lainie Gordon, David Minceberg, Ilene Epstein, Allison Miller, Tyler Naquin, Scott Sawyer, Lee Haverman, and Will Brown.
