On June 29th, the community of Penn Hills came together for an unforgettable day filled with laughter, music, delicious food, and heartfelt support at the “Bingo Bark-a-Que” charity event. Hosted by the Life Changing Service Dogs For Veterans (LCSDV) and the Penn Hills No. 7 Volunteer Fire Department (VFC), this event was a resounding success, bringing joy to attendees and much-needed support to our brave disabled Veterans.
The “Bingo Bark-a-Que” was more than just a fun day out; it was a testament to the power of community and the deep respect we hold for our Veterans. This charity event aimed to raise funds to support the life-changing work carried out by Life Changing Service Dogs For Veterans, which raise money for Service Dogs to Veterans in need. The Penn Hills No. 7 VFC played a crucial role in organizing and hosting the event.
One of the highlights of the event was the incredible barbeque, courtesy of A & B Bar-B-Que. The delicious aromas wafting through the air beckoned attendees to indulge in a feast that featured everything from mouth-watering ribs to perfectly grilled chicken. The culinary skills of Bill Jeffcoat, Chief of Penn Hills No. 7 VFC, and Armand Span, a Life Member, were on full display, making the BBQ an absolute delight for everyone present.
To keep the excitement levels high, the event featured numerous raffles and games. Participants eagerly bought tickets for the 50/50 raffle, hoping to snag a cash prize, while others set their sights on the $1,000 jackpot. The competitive spirit was alive and well as attendees tried their luck, all in good fun and for a great cause.
Of course, no “Bingo Bark-a-Que” would be complete without a fantastic game of Bingo. Enthusiastic players gathered around, daubers in hand, ready to shout “Bingo!” at any moment. To make the experience even more enjoyable, a selection of alcoholic beverages was available, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The musical highlight of the event was undoubtedly the performance by Foxy’s Moxie, also known as The Collective. This band was a true family affair, featuring disabled Veteran Dan Bench on rhythm guitar and vocals, his son Jeremy Bench on drums, and his brother-in-law Steve Castelli on lead guitar. Adding to the depth of talent, disabled Veteran Kristi Lynn wowed the audience with her lead vocals, while her father, disabled Veteran Craig Hodgkins, along with his Service Dog Foxy, played keyboards, guitar, and vocals.
Foxy, ever the loyal companion, sat beside Craig throughout the performance, wearing protective hearing headgear to shield her sensitive ears from the noise. The band’s repertoire spanned from the 1950s to contemporary hits, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Watch The Live Video Recordings From The Event
The event also included special appearances by several disabled Veterans and their Service Dogs. Attendees had the chance to meet:
These Veterans, with their devoted Service Dogs by their sides, served as a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting those who have sacrificed so much for our country.
An event of this magnitude wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and dedication of countless volunteers. Both Life Changing Service Dogs For Veterans and Penn Hills No. 7 VFC brought together teams who worked tirelessly to ensure the day was a success.
Organizing such a successful event required meticulous planning, coordination, and a lot of hard work. From setting up the venue to managing the BBQ and handling logistics for the raffles and games, every volunteer played a vital role. Their dedication ensured that everything ran smoothly, creating an enjoyable experience for all attendees.
The success of the “Bingo Bark-a-Que” was truly a community effort. Local businesses, sponsors, and individual donors all contributed to the event, demonstrating their unwavering support for our Veterans. This collective effort not only raised significant funds but also fostered a sense of unity and purpose within the community.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all those who attended and supported the event. Your presence and generosity made a significant impact, helping us continue the mission of Life Changing Service Dogs For Veterans. Special thanks to the volunteers from both organizations, whose hard work and dedication made this event possible.
The “Bingo Bark-a-Que” was more than just a charity event; it was a celebration of community, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of our Veterans. As we reflect on the success of this event, we are reminded of the profound difference we can make when we come together for a common cause.
Life Changing Service Dogs For Veterans and the Penn Hills No. 7 Volunteer Fire Department are already looking forward to next year’s event, promising more fun, food, and festivities. Together, we can continue to support our Veterans and ensure they receive the care and recognition they deserve.
Thank you again to everyone who made the “Bingo Bark-a-Que” a heartwarming success. We look forward to seeing you all next year!