Pistols and Purses a huge success

ANAHUAC— Whites Park Community Building was full of smiles and casual conversation as many locals attended Pistols and Purses Bingo, hosted by the Anahuac Area Chamber of Commerce. 

Bingo night is one of many fundraisers the chamber hosts to raise funds for various events held throughout the year, including Making Memories for Miles and GatorFest. 

"By participating in these events, community members can contribute to the success of local businesses while enjoying a fun-filled atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of Anahuac," said Meredith Turner-Croyle, board of directors for the Anahuac Chamber of Commerce. 

"The Chamber of Commerce does a lot of events and a lot of supporting the community," attendee Doris Nelson said. "They have scholarships for the children." 

Chambers County Sheriff’s Deputies Jordan Kash and Adam Novasad walked around the room to showcase the various prizes as bingo games were underway. Volunteer Blaise Croyle called the bingo numbers. 

"It's a lot of fun. I've never won anything," attendee Stacie Hutter said. She expressed excitement for the event regardless of winning or not. 

Guests could enjoy tacos from El Chapo and beverages from the open bar as they waited for the bingo games to begin. A raffle and silent auction were also part of the event.  

There were 18 games of bingo with nine purses and nine firearms as prizes. Purse contributors included Kimberly Mulkey, Little Busy Bees Preschool, Sarah Phelps, Channel Marker 17, Giglio Distributing, Jerrod and Katelynn Smith, Common Cents Credit Union and Wells Land Survey. Firearm contributors included Shoreline Contractors, Del Papa Distributing, Britni and Robert Rogers, Chambers County Justice of the Peace Mike Wheat and Anahuac Cleaners. 

Purse designers included Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Coach and Marc Jacobs. Firearms included Taurus G3C 9MM, Tristar Setter 12GA, Ruger American Generation Two 6.5 PRC, Keltec .22 Pistol, Remington 870 Tactical 12GA, Ruger 10/22 221R, Tristar Viper 12 GA, Savage A17 17HM2 and Heritage 221R/22MG. 

Friend duo Robin Ray and Rachael Brewer expressed excitement for the fundraiser. 

"Bingo is fun and it's for a good cause, so I'm always excited for that," Ray said. 

"I did win at the last one but that's the first time I've won. I've been coming to bingo forever. We do it every chance we get. Even if we don't win, it's for a good cause. I look forward to it truthfully," Brewer said. 

"God has blessed me in so many ways, so why not give back," Ray added. 

The raffle included two prizes donated by Shoreline Contractors. The prizes were a Louis Vuitton purse and a Browning Cynergy Wicked Wing 12 GA 3-1/2IN 30IN Over Under Shotgun. 

Local businesses and people donated various gifts for the silent auction, including Kevin and Karen's Treasures, Ducks Unlimited, Mulkey, Meredith Turner-Croyle and more. Silent auction prizes included a basket of items from local businesses, an ice chest, an alligator statue, a BBQ set and more. 

"The Anahuac Area Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role in fostering a vibrant local economy by promoting businesses and highlighting individuals who make significant contributions to the community. Events like Pistols and Purses Bingo not only offer an enjoyable experience for attendees but also serve as a platform for networking and collaboration among local businesses. Through these fundraisers, the chamber is able to support entrepreneurial growth and recognize the hard work of those who go above and beyond in their service to the Anahuac area," Turner-Croyle said.