LAKEPORT, Calif. — On March 23, 100-plus participants gathered at the Lakeport Senior Center to join in the inaugural Bingo Fun for Literacy event, a Lake County Literacy Coalition fundraiser.

The monies generated will benefit the Adult and Family Literacy Program serving all of Lake County.

Food and drink purchases and donations, silent auction bids, and financial donations from individuals and businesses all contributed to the pot.

The program thanked the Lake County community for its generosity and support.

Early in the evening, Literacy Program Coordinator Georgina Marie Guardado welcomed the bingo participants and explained the need for the literacy program, including the fact that 20% of Lake County residents may not know how to read at a third grade level.

The Lake County Literacy Coalition Board President then introduced Laura Mc Andrews-Sammel, Chamber of Commerce director, who served as the host and bingo caller for the event.

Once the games began, so did the fun and entertainment; winners won gift card after gift card.

The food and drink was plentiful. The tables, decorated with rainbow and green tablecloths, created a lively St. Patrick’s Day atmosphere.

Clear Lake High School's Interact volunteers provided exceptional hands-on support the entire evening.

One particularly memorable moment during the festivities was the live auction of the very last wrinkled hotdog for an amazing $105 bid.

The community's awareness and generosity helps in the Lake County Literacy Coalition's efforts to find the people who aren't lucky enough to be able to read or write as well as they would wish and those who may wish to tutor.

To quote Carrie Scott, Carlsbad City Library’s Literacy Services Coordinator who just retired after 35 years, “Literacy is an essential skill, not just a noble cause.”

For more information about this free program call 707-263-7633 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

More information is also available at the group's Facebook site: Lake County Literacy Coalition.

Please consider joining in the 2nd annual Bingo Fun for Literacy to be scheduled in 2025 or donate at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./lclc.