Bingo, Bags & Badges returns to JB Wells on April 14

Fashion and philanthropy will come together at the JB Wells Expo Center in Gonzales on Friday, April 14, when Norma’s House will hold its annual Bingo, Bags & Badges fundraiser.

The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Expo Center, 2301 County Road 197, Gonzales. Corporate tables are available for $450 with reserved seating for eight, plus eight bingo cards, finger foods and two bottles of wine. Meanwhile, individual tickets are $40 each in advance (includes admission, one bingo card and finger foods) or $50 each at the door on the day of the event.

A favorite for many in Gonzales County, this fundraiser features multiple rounds of bingo played for high-end designer purses which are first “modeled” by local first responders — firefighters, police officers, EMTs and others who strut their stuff down the runway to entice attendees to tip them extra dollars that are collected for the Gonzales Regional Children’s Advocacy Center, better known as Norma’s House.

There are also door prizes, a silent auction and a beer and wine cash bar — plus “the voice of Gonzales” himself, Egon Barthels, serves as emcee and keeps things lively and fun.

Last year’s event raised more than $55,000 for Norma’s House, a record amount, according to executive director Deane Parsley-Novosad, who has sent out a request for local businesses and individuals to donate the following items to help make the event successful:

• designer purses and “bling” jewelry items for Bingo or silent auction items.

• silent auction and door prizes

• monetary donations for refreshments and other expenses

• bottled water

• bottles of wine

Norma’s House has been serving Gonzales County for 24 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. Last year, with the community's help, more than 420 local children were served through Norma's House.

For more information about how to help donate or to help Norma’s House, call 830-672-1278.