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University of Arkansas at Monticello Head Football Coach Gary Goff is bringing a fundraising tradition with a proven track record to southeast Arkansas — and it's unlike anything the Weevils have hosted before.
Later this summer, the UAM football program will host its inaugural Weevil Bag Bingo fundraiser at the Monticello Country Club, inviting the community to spend an evening playing bingo for designer handbags while supporting the football team.
The event, which has become a signature fundraiser everywhere Goff has coached, was inspired by a similar event he first encountered while living in Ohio. Since then, he has introduced the concept at multiple schools, where it has consistently drawn large crowds and become one of each program's most anticipated annual events.
"We always have golf tournaments and hunting or fishing events," Goff said. "Those things are usually geared toward men. This is something specifically for the women in the community."
Participants will compete in 10 rounds of bingo for designer handbags from brands including Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors and Coach, along with opportunities to win additional prizes through side games and contests.
Each ticket includes heavy hors d'oeuvres, one drink ticket, bingo cards for every game and a UAM football player assigned as a personal server for the evening. Coaches and players will also assist throughout the event by serving refreshments, interacting with guests and even modeling some of the handbags.
"It has really become more than just a fundraiser," Goff said. "It's a fun community event where people come together to support the football program."
The fundraiser has produced remarkable results throughout Goff's coaching career.
While serving as head coach at Valdosta State University, attendance grew from its inaugural year to nearly 800 women, eventually filling the university's coliseum. After Goff left the program, the event continued to grow and was later moved to a convention center to accommodate demand.
The fundraiser also attracted more than 700 attendees during Goff's tenure at McNeese State University.
For its first year in Monticello, attendance will be capped at approximately 150 participants because of space limitations at the Monticello Country Club.
"We decided to go ahead and do it this year so the community can get a taste of it," Goff said. "Then next year, it'll be even bigger and better."
All proceeds from the First Annual Weevil Bag Bingo will directly benefit the UAM football program.
Goff said the event is designed to provide an enjoyable evening while introducing a new way for community members to support Weevil athletics.
"We're excited to host an amazing purse party," organizers said. "Our coaches and players are looking forward to serving our guests and making this a memorable night."
If attendance mirrors the response the fundraiser has received elsewhere, Goff believes Weevil Bag Bingo could quickly become one of Monticello's premier annual fundraising events, bringing together football supporters and community members for an evening of entertainment while investing in the future of UAM football.
