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Hernando Today

Bingo Group Has Raised $86K For Hospice

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By TONY HOLT, Hernando Today

Published: January 31, 2008

Updated: 01/30/2008 07:11 pm

MASARYKTOWN - No one wants to take the credit for raking in more than $86,000 for the local hospice center.

Organizers insist it has been a collective effort and any kudos should be shared by everyone, including the paying players.

Several heads came together more than 10 years ago and decided they would raise money for local charities by hosting a Bingo at the Masaryktown Community Center.

Other nonprofit groups have received donations, but Hernando-Pasco Hospice has relied on at least $1,000 from the Bingo each month. It is by far the charity that has received the most money from the community center.

"There is no single credit in this," said president Gene Richards. "It's a community effort. It's a member effort."

Membership with the Masaryktown Bingo stretches across the Nature Coast. Richards said people travel from Hudson, Dade City and Tampa to participate every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon.

The $86,000 sum has been collected during a seven-year span, according to director Shiela Hart.

"A lot of our players lose a lot of people who go to the hospice center," she said. "It's where you can go out a little easier. Die with dignity."

Some of the other nonprofits that have received donations from the Bingo are Toys for Tots, HEART and various cancer charities. Bingo members also have given to the local high schools and have helped fund scholarships.

"Hospice is the best group around," said volunteer Carol Notto.

Her husband's health deteriorated to the point she could not assist him on her own. Hernando-Pasco Hospice made sure the last week of his life was as peaceful as possible.

"Hospice came in during the last week to help out," Notto said. "They are such beautiful people over there. I can't say enough about hospice."

Representatives with the hospice center recently donated a plaque to the community center as a show of appreciation.

Janet Ware, who serves as the center's director of development, said the organization "feels blessed" to have the Masaryktown Bingo as one of its supporters.

"Folks who have benefited from our services are very grateful for our assistance and they become more involved," Ware said. "They are an amazing group of people and we really do appreciate their efforts ... It means a great deal."

Richards wanted to describe how much Hernando-Pasco Hospice assisted him and his family with a recently deceased family member, but he stopped before he began.

"I can't go there," he said as he turned his head away. He was not ready to talk about it.

The community center is located at 539 Lincoln Avenue in Masaryktown. Games begin at 2 p.m.

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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