Box 21 Rescue Squad Bingo

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Box 21 Bingo History

Box 21 Rescue Squad membership wanted to pursue opportunities that would generate revenue for the organization. This revenue would be utilized to support the maintenance of the Box 21 equipment. Private Contributions and donations by the community had fallen over the years. Inflation and rising operating cost required the non-profit organization to pursue operating a Bingo Game. The initial Bingo application submitted to the Ohio State Attorney General's office in October 1994 was returned requesting more information. A more detailed application with all requested information was submitted in December 1994. The application was approved and received in March 1995. The location of Northcutt Drive in Montgomery County was the first Bingo location. The room was leased for only the days Bingo was operating requiring volunteers to set up prior to each Bingo session on Wednesday nights and Sunday afternoons. The first year of operation was a real struggle. Expenses exceed the revenues and Box 21 invested the initial start up cost of equipment, supplies and business operations.

During the second year, 1996 the 3500 sq. ft. location was not enough to accommodate our growing customer base and it was decided to move to our present location at 3349 Needmore Road. This 7500 sq. ft. building continues to serve and accommodate our loyal customers. The building was leased in August of 1996, but did not meet local building code for an assembly hall. Everyone pitched in and on 13 December 1996, the first Bingo gaming session was conducted at the new location. Days of operations were Saturday evening and Sunday afternoons. The building also provides an additional space for Box 21 Business meetings.

The third year, 1997 a decision was made to move the gaming sessions from Sunday afternoons to Friday evenings. This would prove to be a very profitable move. By 1997 the Box 21 had recouped their initial investment of over $45K. All the bills were paid, all Bingo equipment valued over $20K, tables and chairs valued over $10K and office/building equipment valued over $10K was owned by Box 21. The Bingo in less then three full years was solvent and would start to bring donations into Box 21.

By the fourth year, 1998 79 sessions of the 104 scheduled and had already generated $50K of donations!

Note: Fiscal Years for Ohio Bingo Operations are set by the Attorney General's Office. A fiscal year for Bingo License is from 1 Nov to 31 Oct.

Of course, none of this could have been achieved without the sincere and honest devotion of the volunteers.

Bingo Operator Deborah Lynn Webb since 1st session
Bingo Volunteer Donald Eugene Webb since 1st session
Bingo Volunteer E.H. Howard since 1st session
Bingo Volunteer Terri Callison since 1st session
Bingo Volunteer Pat Smith since 1st session
Bingo Volunteer Marie Howard since 1st year
Bingo Volunteer Donald Lee Webb since 1st year
Bingo Volunteer Jeff Smith since 3rd year
Volunteers for building and promotions since 3rd year Nathalie, Jackie and June
Bingo Volunteer Jeromy Webb
Bingo Volunteer Judy Webb
Bingo Volunteers Christina and Mandy

Bingo Volunteer over the 6 years have included others too numerous to mention. A special thanks goes out Pat, Bonnie, Marcus, Tam, Tim and other volunteers who have served the Bingo in their efforts. Families of all the Bingo Volunteers deserve special recognition for sharing their volunteers with the Box 21 Organization. The community and Box 21 Thanks you.