History
Where we got the idea?
Picture it. Philadelphia, the summer of ‘99 at the Jewish Y downtown. Gay BINGO had already been successful in Philly for years and, at the time, had raised over $350,000 for Philadelphia AIDS charities. The zany host Miss Carlotta Tendant and her sidekick Chumley led the fun and excitement on that rather toasty Saturday evening. The theme was “Safari.” Upon leaving the hall after a fun night of BINGO camp, the next course of action was to figure out how to bring this event to Charlotte and make it work. The rest is history!
Our support
Our goal was to not only raise money, but to also raise awareness of this great cause – RAIN (Regional AIDS Interfaith Network). We wanted to provide an opportunity for something new and fun that could be an alternative to the typical dinner and a movie. After a proposal and presentation to RAIN’s President and CEO, Debbie Warren, we were on our way with her full support and the backing of the staff and RAIN Board. We made it clear early on that we would be “Gay BINGO” and not hide what we were trying to do. We knew that Charlotte would embrace us and we were right! Our core committee consisted of friends, board members, and concerned Charlotte folks who were committed to RAIN’s mission. That’s where Friends of RAIN began.
The birthplace of Gay BINGO Charlotte
Once all the legal issues were researched and licenses confirmed, our high level game plan was put together with the help of our friends in Philadelphia. We found the Great Aunt Stella Center and its wonderful staff ready and willing to help us pull off our event. The center would be the birthplace of Gay BINGO in Charlotte and we remained there through the Spring 2001 season when the space could no longer support the growing number of Gay BINGO fans. We relocated to the Carole A. Hoefner Center in the First Ward neighborhood and remained there through our March 2006 event when we once again outgrew our space. Gay BINGO held its last two events in the Spring of 2006 at the Grady Cole Center and we are delighted to return there this fall.
Our Diva hostess
During the initial preparations, the search for a hostess or Diva of Ceremonies focused on a few local folks who had experience in theater, were funny, and could hold the audience’s attention. When none were immediately available due to prior commitments we were at a loss. Everything was in place except for this one crucial component. Enter Miss Shelita Hamm. Shelita was working at a now defunct nuclear plant just south of Lynchburg, Virginia. It had always been her dream to be on the stage and she caught our eye in the Lynchburg Community Theatre’s production of “Deliverance: The Musical.” It was clear that Shelita had what stars are made of! There was a glow about her. Assisting Shelita in the first season was Miss Anita Plantation, a true Southern Belle from a notable Georgia linoleum family. Anita led us through the first successful season then departed to find herself and return to her roots: brunette. During off seasons Shelita enjoys catty gossip, dinner invitations, and, of course, shopping for that perfect frock.
Making it happen
Since the first event, Big Hair BINGO, in February 2000, BINGO attendance has grown from the 100- person maximum at the Stella Center to sell-out crowds of over 1,000 for each event. The volunteer list continues to grow, as does the dedication of numerous BVDs (BINGO Verifying Divas) present for each rowdy event. Our sponsorships include generous individuals as well as key Charlotte businesses.
So, we took a little break
After six glorious years that exceeded our wildest dreams and over $500,000 raised, Shelita and the BVDs decided it was time for a little rest. Shelita spent some time with her family (the Virginia Hamms) and booked herself in for a lengthy and much-deserved trip to the spa. The BVDs, capitalizing on their many talents, pursued other interests. Some taught dance lessons. Some worked as style consultants and personal shoppers showing their clients how to put together that perfect look! Some took jobs selling cosmetics, giving in-home parties to teach make-up application! Sadly, a few went into high-heel rehab, but we’re told they’ve fully recovered now!
And now we’re back!
Shelita realized that you can only stand your family for so long and after a while those cucumber slices make your eyelids pruny. Plus, she knew her public needed her and it just wasn’t right to deprive her fans any longer. So she reunited her BVDs (who really missed her and each other) and BINGO was reborn!
And then there is you
It is our hope that old friends as well as new will join us to play Gay BINGO. And of course, you don’t have to be gay – we exclude no one! As Shelita says at the beginning of each game, “A straight line NEVER wins at Gay BINGO, but our straight friends are always welcome.” If you have been a sponsor or attended Gay BINGO in the past, thank you. If not, what are you waiting for, Mary? We hope to see you soon!
Additional info
For sponsorship information or to find out how you can volunteer, please contact the RAIN office at 704-372-7246 or visit our website at www.gaybingocharlotte.org.
For more information about RAIN, please visit www.carolinarain.org. |
