Flamingos are social, loyal and undeniably fashionable, not unlike the more than 170 women who gathered at the Oak Harbor Club last Wednesday for a Let’s Flamingle-themed Bingo Luncheon to benefit the Senior Resource Association.

Arriving guests, many sporting outfits featuring the picturesque pink bird, sipped on Flamingo Stingers – a tasty champagne and pink lemonade concoction – while perusing enticing silent-auction packages and purchasing raffle tickets for a ‘Flock of Florida Fun’ package in Orlando.

“Elton John would be proud of me. They say if you’re going to go with a theme, you should go all the way!” said the always upbeat Anna Valencia Tillery with a laugh, as she greeted the arrivals. Tillery, who served as the event’s all-important Bingo caller, sported festive rose-colored flamingo glasses.

“This special event gets more exciting every year,” said SRA President/CEO Karen Deigl, welcoming everyone to the 13th annual luncheon before thanking sponsors, committee members and board members. “We appreciate our loyal attendees and welcome all you newcomers, too.”

Organizers hoped to raise $40,000 to support the organization’s Adult Day Care facilities in Vero Beach and Sebastian, and the Meals on Wheels programs, all of which have seen an increase in clientele and need.

“Because of your participation, scores of vulnerable seniors in Indian River County will receive a hot, nutritious meal tomorrow along with a visit from our friendly volunteers,” said Deigl. “Because of you, more families and caregivers will have a place to take their loved ones who need supervised care in a safe and welcoming environment during the day.”

Guests enjoyed a delicious quiche and salad luncheon sitting at tables with adorable flamingo-topped centerpieces, before Pud Lawrence presided over a Flamboyance of Flamingos Purse Game. As Lawrence called out a list of quirky items based – very loosely based – on things a woman might have in her purse for a trip to the Everglades, women rummaged in their bags to win prizes donated by local businesses.

And then, their colorful bingo daubers at the ready, the good-naturedly competitive ladies (and a few brave men) got down to business – peering intently over their bingo cards. The quiet concentration was broken only as gleeful shouts of ‘Bingo!’ rang out, the winners proudly waving their game-cards to have them verified by committee members.

“I think that the event was wonderful,” said Ben Earman, SRA marketing & events manager. “It was just a great fun afternoon for everybody there.”

The nonprofit also provides Emergency Meals on Wheels and Social Congregate Meals, and provides transportation through the public transit GoLine and door-to-door transportation for eligible riders through the Community Coach. Their 74-member Silver Tones Chorus performs three concerts each season; the Spring Concert, 7 p.m. Thursday April 19 at the First Presbyterian Church, is The Three B’s: Beatles, BeeGees & Beach Boys.

For more information, visit seniorresourceassociation.org.

Photos by: Denise Ritchie
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