As the bingo numbers were being called and cards tended to accordingly, there was a lot of high fives and fun chatter. It was another evening of enjoyment Wednesday for members of Minot's 2nd Story, a social club for adults with developmental disabilities. Interspersed in the crowd of bingo players were several members of the Minot Young Professionals Club. They had volunteered a few hours of their time and were popular guests for the evening.
"This was a great opportunity to volunteer and hang out and I love bingo," said Stephanie Cornacore, a member of the Young Professionals Club who was assisting a table of bingo players. "I thought this would be a fun chance to volunteer."
Moments earlier a 2nd Story member had held up a winning card at the same table. He collected one of several prizes donated by the Young Professionals Club. A few feet away, in a modern kitchen, Dot Theobald was cutting brownies in a pan. The brownies were a small portion of the special treats that were about to be served.
"We normally don't have all these goodies. They brought goodies and prizes!" exclaimed a grateful Theobald.
Theobald has been associated with 2nd Story for 16 years. She calls the endeavor rewarding and says it is what she wants to do. Her enthusiasm was apparent as she recorded bingo numbers and watched the smiling faces of 2nd Story members.
"Some have physical limitations, but they all love the game of bingo," said Theobald. "We've been here for 35 years thanks to the goodness of the community. The Young Professionals is just an example. They'll maybe make it an annual thing."
Groups interested in following the Young Professionals Club lead in assisting at 2nd Story are encouraged to call 838-0912. Questions about who may qualify for 2nd Story are asked to contact at the number previously listed. The 2nd Story is open from 2 to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
