Page 12 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, February 24, 2023 Jr. Aid Association of Malden returns successful Handbag Bingo O n Friday, February 17, the Junior Aid Association of Malden brought back their highly sought-after event, Handbag Bingo, for the first time since 2019. The Ballroom at Anthony’s of Malden was filled with a sellout crowd of 400 guests. If you were lucky enough to get your hands on a ticket, you were encouraged to wear red attire to show support of American Heart Month. The Junior Aid Association of Malden is led by President Susan Higgins. The nonprofit organization has 40 dedicated, hardworking women who share one common goal: raise funds for women, children and health-related issues – and have fun while doing it! Handbag Bingo was just that, a fun-filled and successful fundraiser planned by Handbag Bingo Chairwoman Helen Kipnis along with Committee Members Mary Ann Cutler, Mary Doucette, Barbara LaMattina and Jaclyn Rosa. The event included playing Bingo for designer handbags that were donated by the organization and its members. Anthony of Malden’s lobby was filled with raffle items, including gift cards donated from local businesses like Nicolo Salon (Melrose), Gloss Nail Studio & Spa (Melrose), Wellness & Aesthetics with Sonia (Peabody) and Hair Matters (Methuen). Handbag Bingo raised $20,000 to benefit women, children and health-related issues in Malden and surrounding communities. Local high school students volunteered for community service to assist the Handbag Bingo Committee with planning: Cora and Ella Holden and Áine LaFaci from Masconomet Regional High School, Diane Pedrini from Arlington Catholic and Shawn Newman from Malden Catholic. You could hear the laughter of the crowd pouring out onto Canal Street – caused by the Masters of Ceremonies, Greg Rosa and Scott Cutler, who kept guests smiling all night long. “On behalf of the Junior Aid Association of Malden, I would like to express my gratitude to all those in the community who supported Handbag Bingo. We were so excited to finally hold a large fundraiser again! The event was a success because of so many: our members’ donations, the guests who purchased tickets, local businesses who donated towards our raffles, the student volunteers and our charismatic MCs. Anthony’s of Malden provided us with a great venue and a delicious meal for our guests. I’d especially like to thank the Handbag Bingo Committee who dedicated months to planning this amazing event. Their hard work shined through!” said President Susan Higgins. The Junior Aid Association of Malden has been a fixture in Malden for over 110 years. They are dedicated to providing financial assistance to charitable organizations throughout Malden and the surrounding communities. To keep up with all the great things they have planned for the community, follow them on Facebook or Instagram. Grant opportunities will be forthcoming in 2024. The Handbag Bingo Committee, pictured from left to right: Mary Doucette, Mary Ann Cutler, Barbara LaMattina, Susan Higgins, Helen Kipnis and Jaclyn Rosa. Masters of Ceremonies Greg Rosa and Scott Cutler Junior Aid President Susan Higgins with student volunteers Cora and Ella Holden Student volunteers Cora Holden (Masconomet Regional High School) and Diane Pedrini (Arlington Catholic High School). Jr. Aid Assoc. members are shown enjoying the Handbag Bingo at Anthony's. Student volunteers Áine LaFaci and Ella Holden from Masconomet Regional High School Handbag Bingo MC Greg Rosa, Junior Aid President Susan Higgins, student volunteer Cora Holden and Junior Aid Association of Malden member Jaclyn Rosa
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