by Katie Coleman
What began with a single player and a dream has grown into a heartwarming monthly Murfreesboro tradition.
On Feb. 9, Traci West of Caris Healthcare, along with the team at Chick-fil-A on Memorial Boulevard, marked a milestone worth celebrating: the second anniversary of Senior Appreciation Bingo. What started as a simple idea to honor the local senior citizen community has blossomed into a lively monthly event that draws up to 40 players, brings local organizations together, and fills a Chick-fil-A dining room with laughter, friendly competition, and the occasional visit from a certain famous bovine mascot.
The story of how it all began says everything about a community that shows up even when the crowd is small. On Feb. 13, 2024, the very first Senior Appreciation Bingo got underway, and exactly one player showed up. Her name was Mrs. Judy, and though she was alone, she played anyway. That kind of spirit set the tone for what followed.
“We started with one player and a whole lot of hope,” West said. “Mrs. Judy showed up, and that meant everything. Now we have a room full of people every second Monday of the month, and it just keeps growing.”
From that single player, the event now regularly draws around 40 participants, and the organizers have stocked up 49 bingo boards, hoping one day to fill every last seat and board. Held the second Monday of each month at 9 a.m., the event is open to anyone aged 60 and up to win prizes, and even Chick-fil-A patrons passing through can join in for a chance to win candy.
The growth hasn’t happened by accident. A dedicated crew of community volunteers has shown up consistently to make each month’s event special. Olivia Blondin with Ozark River Manufacturing has been volunteering since day one, calling the numbers with energy and making sure the extra-large bingo cards are properly shuffled before play begins. Amanda Graves from Adams Place has also been a constant presence since the beginning, helping coordinate and support the event month after month. Katie Coleman with Spearhead Consulting is another enthusiastic volunteer who helps create a fun atmosphere for players. Myra Roundtree with Republic Bank brings her sharp eyes to the table, double-checking numbers on the boards to keep the games running smoothly and fairly. Roundtree has also brought in her photo booth from her party company, Capture Smiles Photo Booth, giving players a chance to strike a pose and get a little glamorous between rounds.
The whole thing came together with enthusiastic support from Collette Wolfgram, senior vice president at Chick-fil-A Murfreesboro, who was immediately on board with the idea of creating a meaningful, recurring way to show appreciation for Murfreesboro’s senior community. From the start, the goal was simple: give seniors a fun, welcoming place to gather and feel celebrated.
Two community organizations have become regulars, bringing their residents by van each month: Adams Place and the Tennessee State Veterans Home. Their participation has helped shape the event and expanded its reach to seniors who might not otherwise be able to attend.
Speaking of veterans, the group organized a special Veteran Appreciation Bingo day, during which each veteran in attendance was presented with a Chick-fil-A service coin as a token of gratitude for their service.
The event has also partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association for a themed bingo day focused on educating players about 10 healthy habits to incorporate into daily life, blending fun with an important community health message.
Prize-wise, players have no shortage of reasons to get excited. All prizes are donated by Chick-fil-A and range from gift cards and free food items to key chains, clothing, socks, lapel pins, cups, writing pens, and beloved stuffed animal cows. The players themselves voted to allow unlimited prize wins throughout the games, and every session wraps up with a full cover-all round to close things out with a bang.
And then there are the cows. Chick-fil-A’s iconic cow mascots, big cow and the kiddie cow, make special appearances from time to time, prompting a flurry of photos.
Community volunteers are always welcome. Anyone who wants to help, whether it is getting drinks, assisting players with their boards, or handing out prizes, is encouraged to come and join in. The event thrives on that spirit of togetherness.
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Senior Appreciation Bingo is held at 9 a.m. on the second Monday of each month at Chick-fil-A, 2116 Memorial Blvd., with the next upcoming dates set for March 9 and April 13. Anyone 60 and older is welcome to play for prizes. For more information, contact Traci West at twest@carishealthcare.com or 615-364-0268 or stop by Chick-fil-A on the next game day. Mrs. Judy will be glad you did!
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