By Chris Fischer
Mellette Community Center was filled with residents of all ages on Sat., April 12th. An annual fundraiser, which included a free-will donation meal, pull tabs, Bingo, a silent auction, cash bar, and raffle drawings, was held.
Raffle tickets were sold for $100. The 12 cash prizes were for $250, $500, $1,000, $2,000, $3,000, and $5,000. Remaining proceeds went toward the building fund. Bingo cards were $10. Twelve games were played. Eleven games had a prize of $100. A few of the games had multiple winners, who split the prizes. The last game, a blackout, had a prize of $500.
The room was filled with a raucous, happy crowd. Many volunteers helped with the event, which was sponsored by Mellette Community Foundation. Each game had a business sponsor.
Craig Oberle was the caller for the Bingo games. Maci Sparling and Brantley Jorgenson kept track of the numbers called. The numbers were projected on the wall via computer.

Foundation board member Natasha Jorgenson said “When you see the room filled up like this, you know how important being neighborly is.” She credited community members for showing up. “Our school services such a large area.” she noted. This means that a lot of communities come together.
Proceeds from the event will go toward building costs. Jorgenson stated that the center, built in 2019, gets used a lot. Business, organizations, and residents all make use of it.