Morris Community of Christ Church is once again bringing together fun, fellowship and faith for a cause that has touched hundreds of lives over the past two decades. The church’s annual Outreach Fundraiser Bingo Night will be held Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Morris High School Cafetorium, with doors opening at 5 p.m., dinner at 5:30 p.m. and bingo starting at 6 p.m.
What began as a simple effort to help local families in 1998 has grown into one of Morris’s most anticipated community events. Community of Christ member Sheryl Shipley, who has been a part of the fundraising and outreach efforts of the church, shared that the church’s first outreach began with the Angel Tree program, inspired by a simple newspaper ad asking families in need to send a postcard for Christmas assistance.
“We ended that first year with over 100 angels,” Shipley recalled. “We searched for donations, gifts, food and all kinds of things for our Angels. For several years, we held small fundraisers within our church – silent auctions, special offerings, garage sales, bake sales and eventually built it into the event we have today.”
In the early 2000s, the church hosted its first large-scale fundraiser at the school with a live auction of more than 200 donated items. The success of that night inspired the tradition that continues to this day: an annual bingo event that fills the Morris High School Cafetorium with excitement, laughter and community spirit.
“For more than 20 years now, we’ve held bingo,” Shipley said. “We strive for at least 200 prizes each year and exceed that every time. We also started serving dinner and love the fellowship this activity brings to the community.” Each year, she added, the fundraiser continues to surpass the previous year’s success-something she credits to the dedicated attendees who come back year after year.
The event features all-new prizes and a popular silent auction section filled with lovingly handcrafted items from community members. “These items are a huge hit,” Shipley noted. “They’re made by special people who want to help with our fundraising.”
A new addition this year will make the night even more meaningful. “With the cuts that have affected families by the government shutdown and the pause of SNAP benefits, we are collecting non-perishable food that evening,” Shipley said. “If you bring two items, you’ll receive a free bingo card. This night is a ‘win-win’ for everyone.”
Bingo cards are priced at $5 each or three for $10, with an extra card free for those who donate two canned or non-perishable food items. Dinner tickets are $7, which includes an entrée, dessert and drink. Everyone who purchases a dinner ticket will also be entered in a special drawing for a prize.
The fundraiser supports the church’s ongoing outreach programs, including its Angel Tree and year-round assistance for local families facing hardship. “We are proud to have this fundraiser every year,” Shipley said. “We are blessed to have the success that we have, but mostly blessed to be able to share Christ’s love and support into the homes of people in need. We also bring this same spirit into other homes throughout the year as well.”
Community of Christ Church is located at the corner of 5th and Ozark in Morris.
For residents, it’s a chance to have fun, win prizes, enjoy a warm meal and make a difference – all in one evening. As Shipley put it, “This night is about fellowship, generosity and the spirit of giving that defines our community.”
Members of Morris Community of Christ Church are shown with some of the prizes that will be given away next week at the annual Outreach Fundraiser Bingo Night at the Morris High School Cafetorium. The event is Nov. 15, with doors opening at 5 p.m.
COURTESY PHOTO | SHERYL SHIPLEY
