Read more: Local, Health, Community, Hannibal Regional Hospital, Auxiliary, Bingo, Fundraiser, Hannibal
HANNIBAL, MO. -- Hundreds turned out for some good, old-fashioned fun in Hannibal last Friday night.
Almost 300 people showed up to play the last night ever of Bingo at the American Legion.
KHQA's Rajah Maples was there as the 27-year tradition came to an end.
Volunteers with the Hannibal Regional Hospital Auxiliary have sponsored Bingo on Friday nights for 27 years. The games have raised $1.2 million for Hannibal Regional Hospital. People of all ages, ranging from 16 and up, turned out for the final games.
Hilda Tennyson has helped put these games on for 15 years.
Tennyson said, "We will really miss them. It's like a family. After 15 years, you get to know people, and we will miss them."
The auxiliary decided to end Bingo for a number of reasons. Even though almost 300 people turned out for the final night, only about half that played on a regular basis due to a lack of interest, the economy or perhaps both. Both volunteers also cite the amount of time and energy it's taken to host Bingo every Friday night.
Tennyson said, "We don't have anyone. It takes a lot of time and energy, and no one seems to be interested in doing it because all of our volunteers are older."
Sue Williams said, "It's been a lot of fun. It's been a lot of work. I hate to see it go, but there comes a time to end everything."
Volunteer Sue Williams said the Hannibal Regional Hospital Auxiliary will continue to support the hospital in other ways.
Here are just some of the ways the Auxiliary raises money and supports the hospital -- volunteers run the gift shop located inside the hospital; they offer coffee and help in the waiting rooms; and operate the hospital's information desk.
