Emporia Spanish Speakers are hoping for many more residents to “Hit the lottery” in the future.
We’re not speaking about the literal lottery, of course, but Loteria, the Spanish version of Bingo, a game which filled the Emporia Arts Center’s Davis Theatre to near capacity Friday evening. Much like Bingo, Loteria sees participants try to fill up their cards by placing markers on specific spaces called out by hosts.
The big difference, however, is that rather than random numbers, the game uses pictures and Spanish words. Friday was the first Loteria night hosted by Spanish Speakers and Director Lelan Dains says it far exceeded any expectations he and his staff had.
On top of the turnout for the event itself, many local businesses lent their support by donating over 30 items for prizes on the night, including gift cards, handmade benches, pottery, mailboxes and the grand prize of $200 in cash. Dains says not only was this a great way to increase Spanish Speakers’ reach and relationships in the community, but it also allowed them an opportunity to shine a spotlight on many Latino-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.
On top of the many Latino-owned businesses involved, there were many non-Latino or Spanish-speaking businesses that contributed to the evening. Dains says this was a very heartwarming development that demonstrates the organization is living up to one of its main goals, creating cultural bridges.
With the success of Friday night’s event, Dains says they are already planning a second event, likely in the winter, and he hopes they will continue hosting regular Loteria nights well into the future, likely twice a year. Proceeds from the event will go to support the work and operations of Emporia Spanish Speakers.
Fundraising totals are currently pending.
