Decline in Bingo Revenue Cuts Funds for Youth Center
Hurt by declining revenue at weekend bingo games, the Los Alamitos Youth Center is looking to other fund-raising sources.
Volunteers are trying to raise $65,000 by March 10 for the youth center’s athletic and arts programming, calling and visiting past donors. About $16,800 has been pledged. PacBell seeded the campaign with a $6,000 gift.
“It’s a fund-raising campaign, but it’s really so important to us because we are the best-kept secret in the community and [volunteers] tell the Youth Center story,” said Tom Stretz, center director.
About 4,000 children from Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, Cypress, Seal Beach, Long Beach and other nearby communities take classes through the Oak Street center.
The annual budget, most of which comes from donations and program fees, is $345,000. Much of the money came from bingo, but revenue has declined since players have been barred from smoking indoors. Information: (562) 493-4043.
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