The Second Annual Candy Bingo for Kenya gave students a fun way to spend their Friday night while helping a nation in need.
The proceeds went to the Coins for Change foundation, an organization that provides goats to Maasai tribe families, according to Kara Wendling, one of the resident assistants in charge of the event. This year, organizers tripled the amount they raised last year.
According to event organizers, these goats completely change the lives of the tribes by providing them with milk and cheese that are necessary for the survival of their children.
Students played several different styles of bingo, and after each round, prizes were distributed to winners. Prizes included Starbucks gift sets, AMC Loews Theatre movie and snack passes, Dunkin’ Donuts gift sets, and Cold Stone ice cream certificates.
Stephanie Artusa, a senior in the Decker School of Nursing, said the event taught her the struggles of the Maasai tribe.
“I thought that it was extremely effective in raising awareness and getting people interested in their cause,” Artusa said. “And it had awesome prizes. I am definitely looking forward to this event again.”
Bryan Gitto, a junior majoring in accounting, said this year’s event was better attended and organized than last year’s. Nearly 90 students attended Bingo for Kenya this year, while only 32 attended last year.
“I know both of the organizers,” Gitto said. “They did the same last event last year, but this year there were so many more people. And the way they integrated bingo, the Maasai tribe and the prize giveaways, I think it was really well done.”
Katherine Espinal, a sophomore majoring in art history who won a round of bingo, said she enjoyed her time at the event.
“It was nice to win because it was very unexpected,” Espinal said. “I enjoy coffee, and I got a coffee set. It had K cups, a coffee grinder, a mug, et cetera. And I thought it was smart to have different variants of bingo as it helped to engage the audience and keep us all paying attention to the board.”
Another event supporting the Maasai tribe, “Running with Goats,” a 5k run around the Binghamton University Brain, will take place at 11 a.m. on Oct. 28.