Years ago Charlie took me to a
complex of buildings that were nearly
falling down. It was the form Don Bohn
dealership. He told me that it was going to
be the home of Gretna Bingo Palace. It was
in such disrepair that I thought they were
going to tear it down and rebuild, but
instead the work started to repair and
remodel. Gretna Bingo Palace, as we know it
know, was the result.
More than a
bingo hall was built; a whole neighborhood
was revitalized. From the Expressway to
Porter Street on Franklin and Hancock
Streets has undergone major change and all
because of bingo.
I had a
friend in the Optimist Club. An offer to the
Optimist to host bingo at the new Gretna
Bingo Palace was made and the club was very
receptive, but they needed someone to run
the games. Charlie said that he had someone
in mind and the someone was me. That was
really good for the Optimist Club and Gretna
Bingo Palace both because Sylvia was my wife
and Michele my daughter and I think that
their presence in the hall has made a
difference. It certainly made a difference
to the Optimist Club.
We have
done good things with the proceeds from
bingo. The Optimist Club works very closely
with Representative Toomy to do the Westbank
Doll & Toy. Representative Toomy organized
this event procuring the gifts and making
arrangements to assemble the toys. The
Optimist Club provides some labor and most
of the money.
Other major
projects that are supported, in whole or
part, by the Optimist bingo:
