STOCKTON, CA – The Stockton Daughters of Penelope Sparta Chapter #18, which was originally established in 1934, hosted their second virtual Bingo night fundraiser on May 5 via Zoom. May 5, or Cinco de Mayo, is the 160th anniversary of Mexico’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla.

The event included 14 participants from Arizona, California, New Jersey, and New York who joined in the fun. Before the games started, each player introduced themselves. The Bingo caller was Stephanie Leles, who efficiently called out the words associated with Cinco de Mayo instead of numbers which kept the players really engaged and on their toes. They played four games including Traditional (5 in a row – either horizontal, vertical, or diagonal), Border, Letter X, and Coverall/Blackout. Prizes included $50 cash or $50 gift cards of their choosing. The lucky winners of the evening were Chrisanthy Panagopoulos and Maria Franco, who was a two game winner. Blackout ended in a tie with two winners, Popi Costa and Eleni Stathoudakis. The proceeds from Bingo night will benefit the Daughters of Penelope national and local projects.

The Chapter was honored to have George Karatzia who is AHEPA Region 3 Past Supreme Governor, National Project Chairman for the AHEPA Service Dogs for Warriors, and the newest Maids of Athena Theodora Chapter 282 Advisor in Holmdel, NJ. AHEPA District 6 Lt. Governor Chris Pappis, District 21 Governor Linda Belba, and District 21 Secretary Maria Karapanos joined the event. Also participating were District 21 Past District Governors Kalliope Fousekis, JoAnne Panagopoulos, and Kathy Leles. Sparta Chapter #18 officers and members were amongst the participants.

“We greatly appreciate everyone’s donations and support for these special causes,” the Chapter said in a statement via email. “It was a fun evening seeing and enjoying each other’s company via Zoom. We plan on continuing virtual Bingo night annually, so keep a lookout for next year as a different holiday will be picked!”