By Mary Ellen Day, Special Writer
More than 700 people attended Hillsborough Elementary Home School Association’s 24rd annual Picto bingo fundraiser Jan. 25 in Hillsborough High School’s cafeteria. The Picto is the largest fundraiser of the school’s home-school association.
Craig Sheehan, one of the organizers of the event, said, “Picto is a picture bingo and a fundraiser for HES. It is a fun time when kids get to play bingo and there is more than one winner sometimes up to 40 or 50 winners per round. Once someone yells ‘Picto,’ the kids chant ‘one more time’ and we keep playing with more and more winners.”
Mr. Sheehan and his wife, Kim, who is co-president of the HSA, have been chairing the event for the past five years.
”We sold out the last two years and we sold out this year,” said Ms. Sheehan.
The funds go to teacher grants, assemblies for the students and more.
Practically all of the students from the school come out to play Picto with their family. Nearly 300 prizes were handed out and every child left with a goodie bag. The teachers and staff donate their time to run the event and distribute prizes, and families donate food as well as time to run the event.
In total, more than 40 businesses contributed to the event. The Rutgers University Knight made an appearance for the kids.
”Picto is a really fun event for both kids and adults. It is exciting picture bingo that the kids get very excited about winning the prizes. It is action-packed, all-night fun,” said Lynda Witcosti.
Mike Volpe, the school’s principal, said, “It is a Hillsborough Elementary School tradition and the kids get very excited about it. It is a great way to have family fun as well as raise funds for our association. A lot of parents make it happen and I would like to thank them for that.”

