BBB brings in $65K for Norma’s House

The 12th annual Bingo, Bags and Badges on Friday, April 4, at JB Wells Expo Center was bigger than ever and it raised more money than ever before as well, Norma’s House executive director Deane Parsley said.

“We still have some funds trickling in, but we surpassed $65,000! Whoo hoo!” Parsley told the Inquirer. “Norma's House staff and board of directors would like to recognize the community, donors, corporate sponsors, first responders and volunteers who made our fundraiser a huge success.”

The amount breaks the previous record set at last year’s event. This year’s BBB also set a record with 750 tickets sold. Designer purses with brand names like Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Coach, Kate Spade, HOBO and others were prizes for winning bingo cards — donated to the event by many generous local business and community members — while door prizes were drawn and other prizes were raffled, including another Louis Vuitton purse, a Ruger rifle, a portable hot tub and other fabulous items

Gabe Gallardo again served as the emcee for the event, while DJ Randy Tovar spun the music and kept it lively for members of the Gonzales Police Department, Gonzales Fire Department, Gonzales EMS, Gonzales County Sheriff’s Department and the Gonzales County Attorney’s Office modeled the prize purses and shook their groove things for tips from an adoring audience. Bingo was led by caller Robert Bland and other Lions Club members.

Norma’s House has been serving Gonzales County for 27 years and is one of 70 children's advocacy centers in the state. It is a place where children and families affected by sexual and physical abuse can come for help and hope, tell their stories and receive services to start them on the road to recovery and justice. There is no fee for any of these services charged to families who need them.

“These funds will help Norma's House identify, understand and address the factors that contribute to crimes against children,” Parsley said. “They will also be used to help children heal from their victimization and educate the community to help prevent child abuse. Together, the community of Gonzales and Norma's House can make a difference in the lives of our children.”

Direct services provided include forensic interviews, accompaniment to proceedings and hospital visits, post-crisis counseling, information and referrals, coordination of multi-disciplinary investigations and community education and training.

Nationally, 1 in 10 children are sexually abused before their 18^th birthday. In fiscal year 2024, Norma’s House served 583 children and provided 896 therapy hours and 101 forensic medical exams while providing education to 4,000 adults and 1,200 children. The most common abuse was sexual abuse at 58 percent, followed by physical (22), neglect (11) and witness (seven). Ninety-nine percent of children knew their abuser personally.

The main office for Norma’s House is at 1604 Saint Paul St., but they also have satellite offices in Hallettsville and Cuero. For more information, go to normashouse.net.