Volunteer Highlight: Katie & Dave
If you’ve attended a Reach for Resources Bingo & Brews event recently, there’s a good chance you’ve heard the lively voices of Katie and Dave Semersky calling out bingo numbers and keeping the crowd entertained.
Katie and Dave first connected with Reach for Resources through VolunteerMatch (now Idealist) in November 2024. As self-proclaimed bingo lovers, they signed up to help at a bingo fundraiser and asked if they could try being the callers. It turns out they were naturals.
“We saw that Reach was looking for volunteers to work at their bingo event and we asked to try being the callers. It turns out we were quite the dynamic duo!”
Since then, they have volunteered as bingo callers at approximately five Bingo & Brews fundraising events. While bingo was what initially brought them to Reach, they have come to admire the organization’s mission and the impact of its disability and mental health services.
“We volunteered for bingo and then learned over time about the great work that Reach for Resources does.”
One of their favorite memories was spending time with individuals who have benefited from Reach’s programs after an event. Those conversations helped put a face to the mission and reinforced the importance of the fundraising events they help make possible.
Katie and Dave say the most rewarding part of volunteering is seeing the excitement and joy that bingo brings to attendees.
“The joy on people’s faces when they win bingo, and knowing that we are fundraising for a wonderful nonprofit organization.”
Of course, being a bingo caller comes with its own unique challenges. One surprising discovery has been just how difficult it can be to read the small numbers on bingo balls in a dimly lit brewery.
“Reading glasses and iPhone flashlights have become a requirement.”
The pair are also known for adding humor and creativity to their bingo calls. At a holiday-themed event in December, they incorporated references from The 12 Days of Christmas into every “B” number, calling out phrases like “B2, Two Turtle Doves!” and “B3, Three French Hens!” Their goal is always to make people laugh and have fun.
“I love when the audience groans or laughs at our bingo-calling phrases.”
When asked what keeps them coming back, their answer is simple: “It’s fun!”
Katie and Dave hope even more people will attend future Bingo & Brews events and discover how enjoyable they are while supporting a great cause. Their advice for anyone thinking about volunteering is equally straightforward:
“Go for it!”
When asked to describe their volunteer experience in one word, they didn’t hesitate: FUN
Thank you, Katie and Dave, for bringing enthusiasm, laughter, and community spirit to Reach for Resources. Your dedication helps make every Bingo & Brews event a memorable experience while supporting programs that make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.