Saint Patrick youth continue successful fundraising tradition

Intermountain Catholic

+ Enlarge

Youth members of Saint Patrick Parish were happy to serve customers during the Turkey Bingo night. Courtesy photo/Anthony Martinez

SALT LAKE CITY — Every year, just before Thanksgiving, the youth of Saint Patrick Parish are busy setting up and planning their biggest fundraiser. They are dusting off bingo cards and making sure every bingo ball is accounted for, shopping for some items and requesting donations of others. Many items are needed to feed the crowd of 250, as well as award 16 lucky turkey winners. One of this year winners was Lydia LaPutka, the youth leader from Immaculate Conception Parish, who brought four youth to the event.

"This is the 18th year that the youth of Saint Patrick Parish have hosted this event," said Anthony Martinez, parish youth director. "Parishioners tell me that the youth took over the event from the parish men’s group in 1993, when the youth were fundraising to go to World Youth Day in Denver, Colo. However, I am not sure how many years the men’s group hosted the event before then."

Everything must be perfect! The youth ministry adult leaders and youth council ensure everything goes as planned. This year the event involved 27 youth and six adult volunteers. The funds raised in this one evening support about 30 percent of the year’s program, which is open to youth in grades 6-12.

Despite the pressure to raise money, the youth council members have another goal. The best part about Turkey Bingo is "just seeing everyone have a good time and helping out," said youth council member Edica Lopez.

"My favorite part is winning, but I keep coming for the kids," said Joanne Archuleta, who has attended Turkey Bingo for eight years, adding that she "absolutely" has fun.

Not everyone can take home a prize turkey, but everyone can return home with a feeling of stewardship for their support to the youth ministry program. It is very fitting that this event is so close to Thanksgiving, not just because the prizes are turkeys, but more so because the ongoing community support is something that the youth are truly thankful for.