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HILLSBOROUGH: Picto bingo rouses crowd at school fundraiser

By Mary Ellen Zangara, Special Writer
Photo by Mary Ellen ZangaraHES Picto Taylor Myer, Kevin Day, Michael Hoffman and Stephen Borini.
Nicholas Murray shows his playing board at the fundraiser at Hillsborough Elementary.
   Picture bingo gets ‘em going
Mary Ellen ZangaraSpecial Writer
   About 780 people attended Hillsborough Elementary Home School Association’s 23rd annual PICTO bingo fundraiser last month.
   Kim Sheehan, the HES/HSA co-president and organizer of the event, said the game is different from what most people know.
   ”Unlike regular bingo, we keep playing on the same game boards until there are lots of winners per round… at least as long as the kids yell ‘One More Time!’ In total, we handed out nearly 300 prizes, and every child leaves with a goodie bag,” she said.
   When the game had a winner yell “PICTO” and the win was verified, all those in attendance yelled “One More Time” as loud as they could and the game continued, playing the same board. The more times they yelled the phrase, picture items were continued to be called by HSA member Sarina Rutz.
   ”PICTO is a large event that wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for the support of our teachers, staff, families, and local businesses,” said Ms. Sheehan. “Our teachers and staff donate their time to help run the event and distribute prizes. Our families donate much of the food, as well as their time to run the event.
   ”Local Girl Scout Troop 60748 volunteered time to staff our food table. And, our local businesses provide prizes and discounts to help offset the costs…most notable, we are always able to count on Pizza Brothers, Learning Express, Super Sundaes, Wendy’s, Costco, Target, Wegman’s and Shop-Rite. In total, over 40 businesses contributed to the event. Even Sparky, the mascot for the Somerset Patriots baseball team, has made a return appearance for the third straight year.”
   The proceeds go towards assemblies, character education programs, classroom supplies, as well as building projects, such as a new gymnasium floor at HES.
   ”PICTO is really a fun event that brings together our entire school community for the benefit of the education of our children. Everyone looks forward to it every year,” said Ms. Sheehan.