HOPE of East Central Illinois will be hosting a fundraising event to raise money for their organization through a BINGO tournament that will take place next Wednesday.

Camille Gordon, a children’s advocate for HOPE of East Central Illinois, said the Basket Bingo for HOPE will provide money for East Central Illinois’ children programs.

The event will take place at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Center in Charleston on April 18, Gordon said.

“(The people who give) would be able to support the children programs,” Gordon said. “They may even be able to buy items for Christmas, birthdays or school supplies.”

Gordon said the doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for an early-bird game that will begin at 5:45 p.m.

Gordon also said the rest of the games start at 6 p.m.

The event costs $10 to participate in 10 games, with the money benefiting the children’s programs, Gordon said

The event will feature a silent auction and raffle ticket items including Longaberger baskets, Lia Sophia jewelry, a handcrafted metal heart-shaped box, a $200 Gandolfi Chiropractic gift card and a $50 Verizon Wireless gift card, among other items Gordon said.

Gordon said the event will provide food for an additional cost from Buffalo Wild Wings in Mattoon and desserts provided from the family and consumer sciences departments of Mattoon and Charleston high schools.

The event will also include door prizes and a 50/50 raffle, Gordon said.

Gordon said the proceeds will go to purchase items and fund future events including birthday and Christmas gifts, school supplies and different summer activities through their summer program.

The money will also benefit children involved in their summer program, Gordon said

Gordon said the organization takes the participants swimming on Fridays and often participate in activities like bowling.

The proceeds from last year’s event went to a day trip for the children and their mothers to the Indianapolis Zoo, Gordon said

“My goal last year was to give them something so they didn’t have to worry about what their home life was like,” Gordon said.

Gordon said the program helps children in seven counties through after school programs, support groups and summer programs.

“The more involved that people are, the more aware they are of some of the issues going on in the community,” Gordon said. “The kids need the support as much as they can, as well.”

Kathryn Richter can be reached at 581-2812 or kjrichter@eiu.edu.