MEMORIAL BINGO BENEFITS ANNE’S ANCHOR IN BOWLING GREEN

BOWLING GREEN — The 3rd Jackie Branstetter Memorial Basket Bingo benefiting Anne’s Anchor will be held Saturday, March 14 at the Pike County Fairgrounds in Bowling Green. The event falls on what would have been Jackie Branstetter’s 70th birthday.

Doors open at 5:00 p.m. with Bingo beginning at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $25 per person for 10 games. A 50/50 drawing, raffle prizes and concessions will be available, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own daubers. Guests are also invited to dress in red or purple in honor of Jackie’s love for Red Hatters and chocolate, with a prize awarded for the fanciest red hat.

The event is organized by Sherri Noel and Leala McClurg. The fundraiser traces its roots back several years to a Lenten book study at New Harmony Christian Church in rural Curryville. The study focused on water access issues around the world, inspiring members to raise $20,000 to build a well in an African village.

Jackie Branstetter quickly joined the effort, and the three women organized multiple fundraisers to reach their goal. In early 2023, as plans were underway for a bingo event, Jackie passed away unexpectedly from a stroke. Noel and McClurg continued with the fundraiser in her memory. Community support exceeded expectations, not only completing the well project but also allowing a significant donation to Anne’s

Anchor in Bowling Green — a ministry close to Jackie’s heart.

Since then, the annual Memorial Basket Bingo has continued to benefit Anne’s Anchor, a faith-based maternity home in Bowling Green that provides housing and support for young women experiencing homelessness. The organization focuses on helping mothers break the cycle of poverty through life skills training, education, employment support and faith formation.

Organizers say proceeds from this year’s event will once again help provide a safe home and hopeful future for young mothers and their babies.

For a more in depth look at local and regional news, visit RiverNewsLive.com online.