Needle & Thread Sewing Academy will host a bingo fundraiser Sunday, April 12 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lions Club Bingo Hall on Highway 90. Tickets are $10.
The event will include a supervised children’s area for kids ages 5 to 12 so parents can focus on the game.
Brenda Clesi, director of Needle & Thread Sewing Academy, said the event will help raise funds for the sewing program and help sustain it through the slower summer months.
“We also wanted to create a fun, family-friendly event for the community that brings people together, is affordable and allows everyone to be part of supporting our students,” Clesi said.
Clesi said everyone is invited to attend the bingo event.
“This is a family-friendly event open to the entire community – students, families, friends, and anyone looking for a fun afternoon while supporting a local nonprofit,” she said.
Clesi said attendees can expect a lively and welcoming atmosphere with prize-based bingo games, raffle baskets, door prizes, concessions and a Kids Corner with games, coloring and activities for younger guests.
Needle & Thread is a nonprofit organization that provides after-school sewing programs for children and teens. Students learn hand sewing, machine sewing, design, and creative expression in a supportive environment.
Annual tuition for the program is $1,200, with a $250 fashion show participation fee.
“We are currently working toward expanding scholarships and offering a sliding scale to make our program more accessible to families in our community,” Clesi said.
Clesi said that at Needle & Thread, sewing is just the beginning.
“Our philosophy is centered on helping students grow in confidence, creativity and life skills in a safe and supportive environment,” she said. “We incorporate values aligned with the Seven Mindsets, encouraging students to believe that everything is possible, discover their passions, build meaningful connections and take ownership of their growth.”
Clesi said many students come into the program shy or unsure, but, over time, they grow into confident, creative individuals who are proud of what they can create – and who they are becoming.
Clesi said the bingo event is not just about fundraising.
“It’s about connection and celebrating what we’ve built together,” she said. “I’m most looking forward to seeing families laughing, kids playing and everyone enjoying themselves while supporting something meaningful.”
Boutte Lions Club donated the rental of the bingo hall for the event.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of our community,” Clesi said. “Every ticket purchased, every donated prize and every shared post help us continue our mission of empowering children and teens through creativity, confidence and hands-on learning.”
