The stakes were high as more than 5000 bingo enthusiasts gathered at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday wishing for their numbers to come up at Telethon’s Mega Bingo fundraiser.
Players had their eyes glued to their cards, hoping they could net a cash prize from a pool of nearly $140,000.
And most of the 47 winners were unable to contain their excitement, including 15-year-old Emily Poat, who walked away with $11,000.
“I called my mum and told her I won eleven grand — Dad told me ‘good job’,” she said.
It was the teenager’s first game of bingo and she plans to buy a car with the cash as soon as she gets her licence.
Enthusiasts came from all over WA for the landmark event — the biggest in the southern hemisphere.
And once inside, they rode a rollercoaster of screams, sighs and laughter as the numbers were called out, all in the name of Telethon.
Joining in the fun were Fat Cat and Channel 7 personalities, but the star patron was 73-year-old Marilyn Burdett, who was attending her 18th bingo event.
“I don’t actually come to win, I come for the camaraderie, and Mum loves the bingo,” she said.
Marilyn brought along her late mother’s ashes to the event in a heartwarming tribute to her love for the game.
“I used to take her three times a week,” she said.
Telethon general manager Mark McCrory said the Mega Bingo was a great fundraising day where everyone in attendance believed in the Telethon cause.
“This event is a great example of the West Australian community coming together to raise money for vulnerable, sick and disadvantaged kids, and while they’re doing it, the generous WA community had a great time,” he said.
Katrina Bache, of Ballajura, was shaking with excitement after she won a $30,000 Haval Jolion luxury car provided by Wanneroo GWM.
“I’m shaking, my heart is pumping,” she said.
“I told my boss that if I won the car I’d be late to work this afternoon.”
The biggest sum of the day was won by Carmel Samuels from Canning Vale, who scored $37,500.
“My face is so sore, I can’t stop smiling,” she said. “I still have tears in my eyes.”
The 48-year-old administration assistant said the win was “life-changing”.
Last year $71 million was raised at Telethon Weekend.
The 2023 Telethon Weekend will take place on October 21 and 22 at RAC Arena.
See more photos from the day:
