Following five successful Mardi Gras events, Friends of SAFE will stage a luxury bingo event on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at the Culpeper Center from 7:00-11:00 p.m. A limit of 150 tickets will be sold at $100 each. Tickets will entitle the participant to 1 drink ticket, 2 bingo cards and the chance to win 1 of 16 luxury prizes, ranging in value from $500- $1000. The evening includes light refreshments provided by area restaurants; a cash bar, serving beer, wine & a Mardi Gras drink; music & dancing; and 16 high-spirited bingo games! Additional bingo cards can be purchased at $5 each or 5 for $20.

Proceeds from the event will help fund the continuing renovation & operation of SAFE’s two shelters, as well as support other ongoing programs.

Founded 40 years ago, SAFE provides programs that serve men, women, and children who are victims of domestic & sexual abuse in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange & Rappahannock counties. It is the only agency providing shelter for domestic & sexual violence victims in these five counties. All services are free and confidential to their clients. In FY22-23 SAFE assisted its clients by:

• Answering 705 Hotline calls on their toll-free 24 hour Hotline
• Providing 6041 nights of safe, secure shelter to 125 clients
• Assisting 120 survivors of domestic violence in navigating the judicial system
• Providing 3684 hours of advocacy to assist 266 survivors of domestic & sexual assault

Support for the Mardi Gras Luxury Bingo event will be in the form of financial sponsorship of the event, the donation of prize items and/or ticket sales.