Basket bingo to help fund Disney World trip

OHI’s Disney committee will hold a basket bingo at noon Sunday, Oct. 26, at Hermon Middle School to raise money to send people with developmental disabilities and-or mental illness to Walt Disney World. Games will begin at 1 p.m.

Proceeds will go toward a trip that seemed impossible not long ago. Most of the people supported by OHI have a combination of developmental disabilities and mental illness, and many grew up in facilities such as Pineland Center or one of the state mental institutions.

Over the years, as people came out of institutions and into the support of OHI, they began to dream the dream of many – to experience the magic of Walt Disney World.

“This is more than a simple vacation,” said Bonnie-Jean Brooks, president and chief executive officer of OHI. “This is a testament to what can happen when we believe that everything is possible, even for people with severe disabilities.”

The individuals planning to go on the trip have been raising funds for four years already, and have raised some $20,000 through bake sales, bottle drives, candle sales and car washes. Because the group will require about one staff person for each of 40 individuals going to Florida, the trip will cost close to $80,000.

Including corporate donations and a small discount from Walt Disney World itself, the group has approximately $15,000 to $20,000 to be raised.

All proceeds from the basket bingo will go toward the trip, with an expected travel date of October-November 2004.

Many prizes are waiting to be won at the Oct. 26 event, including a basket available only at the Longaberger homestead in Dresden, Ohio, and signed by members of the Longaberger family. Another is an exclusive Bee Basket, typically available only to Longaberger consultants at their annual conference.

Coverall game winners will be treated to a woven chest or a large hamper. Many of the baskets have been sponsored and filled with goodies by local businesses. Doors open at noon, and games begin at 1 p.m.

Community members interested in purchasing advance tickets may call Duane Hall at 848-5804, Ext. 119. Businesses interested in sponsoring and filling a basket may call Bev Uhlenhake at 848-5804, Ext. 113.