Bingo Night returns to the Majestic on Saturday, February 24th in support of Generations Early Learning & Family Center
On February 24, sassy powerhouse emcee Sugar (Brie Mueller) will take the stage at the Majestic in downtown Bellingham for a bingo night to raise funds in support of intergenerational child care in Whatcom County.
Generations Early Learning & Family Center (“Generations”) is a non-profit organization within Mt. Baker Care Center and Summit Place Assisted Living. The unique program blends two types of institutional care—childcare and residential care facilities—to produce the marvelous result of a multigenerational living and learning community.
The primary purpose of Generations Early Learning & Family Center is to provide a unique early childhood education program within a residential care facility, which will benefit the residents, children, families, and staff members through mutual interactions and continuing relationships. Quality early childhood care and education programs allow parents to engage in work and other activities with the assurance that their children are in a safe environment that promotes health, happiness, and well-being.
“The intergenerational component to our center is the heart and soul of our program,” explains Executive Director Heidi Bugbee. “We have woven a community together including young children, seniors, family members and staff members. Our children participate in daily activities with elderly residents at the Mt. Baker Care Center and Summit Place Assisted Living as well as 2 other retirement communities in our neighborhood. The program includes a variety of activities including music, art, animals, and more. The program benefits everyone involved. It creates joy and interactions between “generations” and it is truly magic to witness and be a part of.”
With the funds raised through the Bingo Night fundraiser, Generations will be able to expand the resources, materials, and activities available to children, residents, and patients as well as continue providing their in-house Tuition Assistance Program for low-mid income families who do not qualify for government assistance.
The Board of Directors announced a rate increase for families beginning in February 2024, citing the “rising cost of food, staffing, and other operational expenses.” Bellingham voters recently passed an initiative to increase the minimum wage above the state minimum from $15.74 to $17.28, which also has an impact on the childcare community.
“Even though we raised rates this month for families, it does not cover the cost to run the center, and we are still losing $5000 per month,” Bugbee says. “Fundraising is essential in keeping our excellent staff to child ratios, our intergenerational programs, family supports and more.”
Luck of the Irish Bingo Night in support of Generations Early Learning & Family Center will take place at the Majestic on Saturday, February 24th from 5:30PM to 10:00PM. The event is 18+ only. An all-inclusive ticket is $40 in advance and includes dinner provided by the Fairway Café and 12 games of bingo. All-inclusive tables for 8 and VIP tables of 8 can be purchased for $300 or $500, respectively. To learn more, visit www.intergenchildcare.com or call (360) 752 6336.
Generations Early Learning & Family Center is a division of The St. Francis Foundation, a non-profit corporation established in 1985. The Luck of the Irish Bingo is sponsored by WECU, Northwest Health Care Linen, Stephen Jackson Law, Brie the Broker, and Divergent Physical Therapy.
