Designer Bag Bingo: Sold-out fundraiser benefits revived Friends of Bethel Park Library

The big names were on the table at Bethel Park Community Center: Vera Bradley, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Patricia Nash.

And of course, Coach.

The game was Designer Bag Bingo, and a sold-out house of players tried their luck on April 16 in the first fundraising event for the rejuvenated and revived Friends of the Bethel Park Library.

As you probably would expect, the great majority of folks who attended were women, but a few gentlemen stood out in the crowd: seemingly omnipresent Bethel Park volunteers Andy Amrhein and Allen Levine, plus number caller Dan Simpson, who at about 6½ feet tall stood up in the crowd.

Oh, and a guy with an aging Canon was there to chronicle the festivities.

Whatever the case, the turnout showed tremendous support for an organization that will support the financial needs of the library that are not covered by the municipal budget and promote the institution as a vital community asset.

Serving as Friends officers are Mary Ann Raymer, president; Elaine Goode, vice president; Jessica DiPrampero, secretary; and Fran Cort, treasurer. Christine McIntosh is the library director.

“There are special benefits to being a Friend of the Library, including early notification and access to events,” according to a flier distributed by the group. “Future plans include an emailed newsletter and special ‘Friends only’ activities.”

Plenty of other folks lent their time and talents to ensuring that the fundraiser went smoothly, including Mary Moore, who summarized the rules of the game before the bingo balls started spinning.

And to help the cause further, numerous businesses offered their support:

Evey True Value Hardware, David J. Henney Funeral Home, Pasta Too, Al’s Café, Ma & Pop’s Country Kitchen, South Park Theater, Hand and Stone Spa, City Theater, Maria’s Ideas Art, Carnegie Science Center, Phipps Conservatory, Pittsburgh Opera, Washington Wild Things, Gateway Clipper Fleet, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, the Mattress Factor and Convention Center Hotel.

To join the Friends of the Bethel Park Library or for more information about the library, visit www.bethelparklibrary.org.