Three Rivers College hosts music bingo fundraiser to bridge financial aid gaps

SIKESTON — Three Rivers Endowment Trust is hosting a music bingo night fundraiser later this month to support Three Rivers College student scholarships. 

Michelle Reynolds, director of development for Three Rivers College, said over 60% of students require some form of financial aid, which is why they are raising funds to support these scholarships.

“I have been in my position at the college for almost 10 years, and this has undoubtedly been the year I’ve been asked the most to help with scholarships for our students,” Reynolds said. “As we know, the cost of living is high, and our students are having more trouble filling those gaps, so we wanted to do this to raise money to help grant a few more scholarships to our students in need.”

The music bingo event, based on country music knowledge, will take place Jan. 17 at the Sikeston Jaycee Sponsors Building at the rodeo grounds.

“The theme is ‘Country Music Through the Decades,’” Reynolds said. 

Doors will open at 5 p.m., and bingo will begin at 6 p.m. The event is open to those 21 and older, with tickets priced at $25 per person if purchased in advance at TRC Sikeston, 1400 S. Main, or $30 at the door.

The ticket includes a bingo card, dauber and access to a barbecue nacho bar.

“Bo’s Breakfast and Bar-B-Que has been a great friend to the college for many years, and they are donating the barbecue nacho bar,” Reynolds said. 

Attendees can bring their own beverages and snacks for a $20-cooler fee, and additional bingo cards will be available at the door for $5 each.

Reynolds said sponsorships and tables are available. The round sponsor for $1,000 includes a named table of eight with preferred round table seating, a logo on bingo cards for that round, a waived cooler fee, event signage, a social media callout and the opportunity to provide logo items. The table sponsor for $500 includes a named table of eight with preferred round table seating, a waived cooler fee, event signage and a social media callout.

Reynolds said music bingo is a fun and fast-paced version of bingo. 

“It moves really quickly; with music bingo, they will play maybe five to 10 seconds of a song, and then you have to identify what the song is and find it on your card,” Reynolds said. “Whereas with regular bingo, it’s different; it might be B5, if that makes sense. So you have to identify what the song is and find it in one of those places on your card, not just in one column.”

Reynolds added that, similar to regular bingo, not every card will have every song on it. 

“We are also going to do a 50-50 drawing and raffles for some prizes,” Reynolds said.

To register, download the registration flyer, or contact Michelle Reynolds at 573-840-9077 or michellereynolds@trcc.edu.