Panola College Foundation raises $99,000 at Designer Purse Bingo

The Panola College Foundation hosted its annual Designer Purse Bingo fundraising event on April 4 at the Carthage Civic Center, attracting approximately 660 guests and raising a record-breaking $99,000 for student scholarships and program grants.

“Designer Purse Bingo is truly one of the most anticipated events of the year in Panola County, and we are incredibly thankful to everyone who made it such a success,” said Joanna Huckabee, director of institutional advancement at Panola College. “From our amazing volunteers and dedicated Foundation members to our generous sponsors and enthusiastic attendees – this event wouldn’t be possible without you.”

Brian Naples, Professor of Government, entertained the audience as the emcee, thanking the sponsors and calling out anticipated bingo numbers throughout the evening.

The event sponsor for the evening was Jacobe Bros. Construction, the program sponsor was Deep Well Services, and each guest took home a tote bag provided by Young Energy Services. Sanford & Sons Lawncare and Irrigation sponsored centerpieces for each table, which included a charcuterie spread sponsored by Sodexo. Farmers State Bank sponsored cups and Horne Rota Moos sponsored napkins. Razor Services sponsored drink buckets, Pippen Motor Company and Rural Water Services sponsored koozies, High Roller Resources sponsored water, and Carthage Furniture and Rockin’ 3M Construction sponsored beverages. Hal’s AC and Electrical sponsored popcorn for everyone at the event. A signature drink was available for purchase brought to guests by Simply Beautiful Salon, and wine was available by Cyclone Rentals.

First State Bank & DPT Services sponsored bonus games for the event, which allowed guests the chance to carry home a Burberry or Christian Louboutin bag.

Bingo purses included 24 different designs, with games sponsored by Carthage Economic Development Corporation, Citizens Bank, Duran Aesthetics, Globe Life and The Income Tax Office, EAG Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Carthage, Farmers State Bank, Nana’s House of Little Learners, Panola Dental, Ransom Drilling, Templeton Investments/L&K Express Wash, Trilogy Rehab Solutions, Twisted Peach Designs, and VeraBank. The purses included brands such as Coach, Consuela, Kate Spade, and Michael Kors, with Bear Creek Smokehouse donating the Consuela bags.

A popular raffle gave guests the opportunity to win a variety of prizes, including designer purses, took place during the event. Raffle sponsors included Dust to Dazzle Maids, Farmers State Bank, Hope Community Medicine, Lazy K Boutique, Penner Construction, Revive & Restore Health & Wellness, Smith Energy Services, Strong Services, UT Health East Texas. Additional raffle prizes were donated by Bear Creek Smokehouse and Republic National Distributing Company.

“Thanks to your support, we’re able to provide meaningful scholarships and program grants that directly benefit Panola College students, faculty, and staff,” added Huckabee. “We’re already excited for next year as we celebrate the 15th annual Designer Purse Bingo.”