Mostly clear skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 19F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph..
Mostly clear skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 19F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Updated: November 10, 2025 @ 10:03 pm
This photo shows only a small number of the 175 people who took part in the annual Boobie Bingo, conducted by Watseka Elks Lodge #1791 Saturday, Nov. 8. The funds distributed to cancer fighters help offset expenses incurred due to treatment.
Cheryle Laurent (left) and Kat Thiele are shown during Watseka Elks Lodge #1791’s annual bingo event. All funds raised remain in Iroquois County and help families with the expenses of cancer treatment. The success of this event lies largely with the many businesses and individuals who donate.
In the back of the photo, under the clock, is Scott Kingdon, who did most of the calling during Watseka Elks Lodge #1791’s annual Boobie Bingo, also known as Bingo for Cancer Fighters. This was the 15th year for the event and $11,715 was raised for cancer fighters in Iroquois County.
This photo shows only a small number of the 175 people who took part in the annual Boobie Bingo, conducted by Watseka Elks Lodge #1791 Saturday, Nov. 8. The funds distributed to cancer fighters help offset expenses incurred due to treatment.
Cheryle Laurent (left) and Kat Thiele are shown during Watseka Elks Lodge #1791’s annual bingo event. All funds raised remain in Iroquois County and help families with the expenses of cancer treatment. The success of this event lies largely with the many businesses and individuals who donate.
In the back of the photo, under the clock, is Scott Kingdon, who did most of the calling during Watseka Elks Lodge #1791’s annual Boobie Bingo, also known as Bingo for Cancer Fighters. This was the 15th year for the event and $11,715 was raised for cancer fighters in Iroquois County.
Watseka Elks Lodge #1791 hosted its 15th annual Boobie Bingo last Saturday night, Nov. 8, at the lodge. Those who wish to participate in playing bingo must pre-purchase tickets, which are sold a couple weeks in advance. Scott Kingdon, of the lodge, was the caller for this event.
Originally, the event was conducted in order to help Iroquois County residents fighting breast cancer; however, because so many are affected by different types of cancer, the event was expanded to cover all cancers and is also known as Bingo for Cancer Fighters. All monies raised remain in Iroquois County and can be used however they best help the family, such as with groceries, utility bills, gas for trips to doctors and treatments, etc.
Organizers of the event try to raise the most money without a lot of expense to the lodge. According to Cheryle Laurent, an Elks organizer of the event, “We decided to go to area businesses to ask for donations. These donated items we can use to put together for bingo prizes. Those bingo prizes vary in value of between $150 and $200 each.”
There are several on the list who donate each year, and, according to Laurent, “Donate they do! We have so many gifts donated that we have started passing out door prizes.” She said that number is usually 20-30. In addition to the door prizes, “we have seven to eight baskets to raffle off,” Laurent continued, adding Elks also “sell t-shirts and huggies.”
Over the past 14 years, $95,077 has been raised and that provided help to 132 families. This year, 175 bingo players attended and $11,715was raised, bringing the grand total raised over 15 years to $106,792.
Laurent said there is a large group of volunteers who help make this event such a huge success. That list, in additon to Laurent, includes Amy Reetz, Cindy Coughenour, Cody Fredricks, Cy West, Dawn Tobeck, Deb Cookie Swigart, Erik Shay, Jill Tarro, Kat Thiele, Kim Gocker, Leslie Myers White, Linda Hasbargen, Lori Yates, Marilyn Conger, Mark Lehman, Jake Tarro, Marsha Knauth, Pam Thurston, Robert Gray, Scott Kingdon, Scott Zumwalt, Stephanie Wingerter, Teresa Castonguay, Todd Oster, Traci Bishop and Mike DeMarse.
Laurent said “We (Elks Lodge members) look forward to helping more people and having more bingos. Are we going to change the world? No, but maybe we can help it be a little nicer. We do what we can!”
Although the event is done for this year, donations are accepted throughout the year. Checks can be made payable to Watseka Elks Lodge 1791 and can be mailed or dropped at 111 N. Third, Watseka, IL 60970.
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Mostly clear skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 19F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Mostly clear skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 19F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. High around 40F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph.
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