VES Bingo Raises Serious Dough for MHS Boosters

Last Tuesday at the Warming Hut, Volunteer Eastern Sierra (VES) and the MHS Booster Club joined forces to host a bingo night that was anything but ordinary. This was not your typical bingo; it was bingo with a lively twist!

Consistent with its name, "Not Your Grandma's Bingo Night," instead of dainty little daubers, players wielded oversized markers, and instead of quiet shushing, the room echoed with colorful jokes, bawdy laughter, escalating wagers, and the occasional raucous cheer.

Despite the irreverent twist on this classic game, the event turned out to be a roaring success, raising nearly $10,000 to support the Mammoth High School (MHS) Booster Club and fund crucial teacher requests. Yes, folks, they raised serious dough while having a blast and eating great food. This proves that you can be both charitable and a little cheeky at the same time.

As part of its monthly initiative to raise funds for local organizations, VES selected the MHS Booster Club as its featured beneficiary for January. The evening was a vibrant blend of nostalgic bingo fun and modern entertainment, complete with raffle prizes and auction items that kept the energy high and the support flowing. Who knew that a game traditionally associated with grandmas could be transformed into a wild night of fun? Just remember, if you’re looking for a serious game of bingo, you might want to check with your grandmother first—she’s probably still using her lucky charms!

At the event, Kaylynn Spieler, a senior at MHS gave a heartfelt speech about the impact Booster has had on her high school experience.

"Academically, Boosters helps my teachers make sure that we the students have everything we need in the classroom that the school does not financially provide. This allows them to have the material they need to make sure their students can succeed. Athletically, Boosters has an immense impact.. They provide money and fundraising for our sports teams. Without them my ski and snowboard team would have a hard time providing housing and transportation to our state championships every year and my volleyball team would not have all the opportunities we have had this past season. But Boosters does not only benefit the student athletes of MHS, they also provide funding and support our arts and music programs. Boosters allows many students to ... excel academically, athletically, and musically. Boosters doesn't just support the students in high school but also provides us with book awards so the seniors of MHS can continue their education and grow into exceptional adults. Thank you so much to those who are involved and donate to boosters and know that it makes a lasting impact on the youth of Mammoth Lakes."

Booster Club volunteer and President, Romi Skolnik, reached out to community partners who donated tons of awesome prizes that brought in a record $9280. Thanks to the following for their generous contributions:

Raffle Prizes:

• Adult beverages, Alpenhof

• Mammoth Lakes Tourism (MLT) hats and waffle crew necks.

• Mammoth High School Boosters hats, t-shirts, and swag.

• Todd Unganst wall hanging (valued at $300).

• Mammoth Mountain hammock.

• Mammoth Mountain camping chairs.

• MMCF ladies puffy jacket (size M).

• Mountain coaster and Bike park tickets, from Mammoth Mountain.

Auction Highlights:

1. MHS Ski Experience

   • 1 lift ticket to Mammoth Mountain.

   • Ski and train with the MHS Alpine team for a day.

   • Be a forerunner to an MHS downhill race.

   • Swag and merch from The Green Room, including a helmet and gloves.

   • $100 gift card to The Eatery.

   • Value: $1,100 | Starting Bid: $700.

2. Mammoth Staycation

   • 1-night stay at Outbound Mammoth in a king suite.

   • 2 passes to the Mountain Coaster.

   • $100 gift card to The Eatery.

   • 2 gift certificates for trail rides at McGee Creek Pack Station (Summer 2025).

   • 2 MHS trucker hats and swag.

   • Additional great items and experiences.

Thanks to the overwhelming community support, the nearly $10,000 raised will go toward fulfilling several teacher requests and funding essential programs at MHS. From classroom supplies to innovative projects, these contributions will directly enhance the educational experience for students.

"This was more than just a fundraiser; it was an opportunity to bring our community closer together," said one booster parent. "It was amazing to see everyone having fun while supporting such an important cause."

The success of "Not Your Grandma's Bingo Night" is a testament to the strong sense of community in Mammoth Lakes and the dedication of those who work tirelessly to support local schools. The booster club extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the parents, local businesses, and community members who contributed to the event’s success. Events like these not only raise vital funds but also reinforce the incredible bond between the school and its surrounding community.

With the bar set high, VES and the MHS Booster Club look forward to hosting more engaging and impactful events in the future. Whether it’s through bingo, sports, or other creative ventures, these organizations remain committed to fostering a thriving environment for students and educators in Mammoth Lakes.

Despite the record income, some teacher projects were not fully funded. If you'd like to contribute to one of these requests, please consider donating here.