Both parking lots at Club Heidelberg were overflowing with cars for Friday’s purse bingo fundraiser. 

“The woman who won the 50/50 draw won $657, that’s how popular it was,” said NOTL’s Nancy Broerse, lead organizer and chair of special events and fundraising for Business & Professional Women of Niagara Falls.  

“I was worried we’d run out of dessert but luckily we didn’t.”

The bingo evening was organized by Broerse along with other members of BPW of Niagara Falls in support of Community Crew and its efforts to provide over 4,000 lunches to 30 different schools in Niagara each week. 

“Who would’ve thought that there’d be so many needy children in this abundant area?” said Broerse.

Luckily, with designer purses, door prizes and vendors galore, purse bingo brought out a full crowd and immense financial support from the community. 

“We were so lucky to have so many people donate for the silent auction and lunch bag raffle,” Broerse said. 

“To hear the women screaming and hollering when they won a purse was a hoot.”

Broerse said that it is her hope that after fundraisers like these, more women will be urged to join the Business & Professional Women.

“I think we will get a few new members out of this,” she said.

She explained that women from different communities across Niagara are welcome to join, with some members hailing from Niagara-on-the-Lake as well as St.Catharines. 

“Just because it says Niagara Falls doesn’t mean we don’t take members from NOTL. We advocate for equality for all women.” 

Those interested in finding out more can visit the Business & Professional Women Niagara Falls website at https://bpwniagarafalls.com/.