PlayBingo Packs Hilton Austin for a $1.26 Million Day of Giving

More than 1,300 Austinites arrived at the Hilton Austin in pajamas on Oct. 24 for eight rounds of bingo with a purpose beyond filling their cards. Presented by Alpha School, the annual event raised $1.26 million for the Center for Child Protection, helping fund free services for children impacted by abuse or violence.

The Friends of Christopher Guild, a women’s volunteer group supporting the center, hosted the fundraiser for its 23rd year. KXAN chief meteorologist Nick Bannin and former news anchor Melissa Lowe served as emcees, guiding guests through the day’s games.

Between rounds, raffles and a silent auction offered plenty of reasons to keep participating. Among the prizes were a Gucci Mercato bag, a diamond bangle bracelet from Diamonds Direct, spa packages and luxury getaways.

The Center for Child Protection is Travis County’s only nonprofit involved in the investigation and prosecution of crimes against children. For more than 30 years, it has provided a child-friendly setting for forensic interviews, medical care and therapy, with all services offered free in English and Spanish.

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Alexis Barry, Kirsten Wise, Liz Levy Clark, Donna Tryba, Christy May and Janice Davis, back row from left, with Amber Koehler and Jenny Mason, front row from left, at PlayBingo. (Photo courtesy of Center for Child Protection)

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Chef Saine Wong and Erin Stewart. (Photo courtesy of Center for Child Protection)

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Nicole Zuber, Holly Mills Gardner, Jamie Imber and Alison Watters. (Photo courtesy of Center for Child Protection)

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Raquel Hebben and Kit Baumann. (Photo courtesy of Center for Child Protection)

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Members of Austin Residential Group at PlayBingo. (Photo courtesy of Center for Child Protection)

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Shay Mitchell and April Marie. (Photo courtesy of Center for Child Protection)

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Shonnery Pettit and Renee McFather. (Photo courtesy of Center for Child Protection)

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Melissa Lowe and Nick Bannin. (Photo courtesy of Center for Child Protection)

Supporting children and families in the community

“A community is only as strong as its most vulnerable members, and there is no one more vulnerable than a child who has experienced something traumatic,” said Mary Cheryl Dorwart, president of the Friends of Christopher Guild. “PlayBingo shows what happens when our community chooses to be a part of the solution so that no child has to face their darkest moments alone.”

For the center, the day’s fundraising total translates into continued access to care.

“This incredible turnout and the funds raised today ensure our forensic interviews, medical exams, and therapy services remain 100% free of charge for every family who walks through our doors,” said Vanessa Maldonado, the center’s chief development officer.

The 24th annual PlayBingo is scheduled for Oct. 23, 2027. Table sales and next year’s theme will be announced later. Learn more at playbingoATX.org.