09/23/2026
This past Friday night bingo was one to remember! I want to explain what transpired and why I will no longer be running bingo at Bellevue.
The short version is this: Several Board members attended Friday’s bingo to “shadow and observe.” Unfortunately, they chose to be cavalier, dictative, condescending, marginalizing and disrespectful to the volunteers and players. The Board now also considers bingo to not align with their new vision of the community center.
The details are this: On 9/17/26, the day before our previous bingo, I received a call telling me that several new Board members will be present at bingo. The next day and without any introductions, the Board member told me that they are there to “shadow and observe”. But from your own observations, the Board members obstructed out ability to run bingo as we had done successfully for the past 13 years. The Board member then proceeded to pressure me to violate Delaware's Charitable gaming rules. Just one example of this is the board member's insistence to co-mingle progressive payout money with bingo money. These payouts are not Bellevue’s but belong solely to the players. Additionally, I routinely sold additional pull-tabs during intermission. Because this Board member continued to obstruct the way we sell pull tabs, and because I didn’t have any that would fit the low numbers of attendees, I decided not to sell any additional pull tabs games. His response to that was to tell me to shut down bingo immediately and not complete the second half. I refused and added the players have rights and that they will receive what they paid for.
Now comes the incredible part. I was told on Friday by this Board member that the Board decided that bingo would shut down for the month of November. He stated, I am paraphrasing, that the gym was going to be used for some educational programs and that there would be no financial loss as a result of no bingo because Bellevue has the money to cover it. He also said that bingo is gambling and doesn’t provide a community service. This decision was made without any input from me and without any opportunity to present alternatives. I explained that their decision has a significant impact on the bingo players who come on Fridays to have fun, socialize, win money and enjoy fellowship. The real loss is a lack of any concern about the players who have supported Bellevue for over 13 years. Further, I explained that it is not just about November. A pull tab bingo was scheduled in October and again in December. The results would be 3 bingo’s in October one in December. And because the upcoming holidays fall on a Friday, there would be no bingo for almost 2 months!
This Board member and all of the Board members have no knowledge, training or expertise in the rules or how to run a bingo. He acknowledged that he has never even been to a bingo. However, they made this decision unilaterally. Now, they have every right to do so as bingo belongs to Bellevue, and I simply ran it.
Throughout the night, the overwhelming feeling I had was one of disrespect and devalue for the players and volunteers. He created a hostile environment throughout the evening. He also added a layer of suspicion towards the bingo players and volunteers. The behaviors he demonstrated were also unprofessional as they were in front of the players. This shows disrespect for the players but more importantly his lack of value to all of our efforts. I left Friday feeling that the work of our volunteers—and the importance of our loyal players—was not recognized. Although the Board has the authority to make decisions about Bellevue’s bingo program, I cannot continue managing it under these circumstances.
So, to all of my fellow bingo players who have become like family, the word THANK YOU pales in comparison to how grateful I am of you all. We made amazing memories, friendships all while providing incredible moments for the children of the community center. I can't wait to see you all again at our local bingos.
Should you have any questions about Bellevue bingo, the Cookie Jar or progressives, please contact the director of the community center, Daniel Elkins at 302-762-1391.
