Supporters of the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge have announced they will host Bird Bingo, a unique fundraising event that includes dinner, fellowship, and a chance to win a designer purse and other door prizes, said Executive Director Aimee Arent.

The event will be held  at the Carroll Township Hall, 11080 W. Toussaint East Rd., Oak Harbor from 5:30–9:30 p.m on Friday, May 10 during the always popular The Biggest Week in American Birding. Tickets are $40 and include 16 games of bingo, along with a catered buffet dinner by Country Catering featuring roasted chicken or vegetable lasagna.

There will be other prizes, including 50-50 raffles. Only 110 tickets will be sold, so birding aficionados need to sign up promptly. For more information on the Bird Bingo event, or ticket information, visit www.friendsofottawanwr.org/bird-bingo. For sponsorship opportunities or to make a donation, contact Dr. Jenni Biegala (419-704-0221 or Jennifer.biegala@gmail.com) or call the ONWR at 419-898-0014.

“Bird Bingo is a great way for us to tie in with one of the most popular events in northwest Ohio,” said Dr. Jenni Biegala, President of the Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. “Some of the prizes are designer purses. That idea came from one of our board members. Designer purses are popular and the perfect prize for the ladies.”

Other prizes include a two-night stay at Waterfowl Lodge, valued at $300; a guided golf cart tour of Schedel Arboretum and Gardens in Elmore, Ohio, valued at $350; and a Ducks Unlimited Redhead Duck Decoy 2019 Medallion Special Edition Jett Brunet, valued at $300.

Biegala says the effort now is to secure sponsorships for the evening. The Eagle Level is $500 and includes four tickets to the event. The Trumpeter Level is $250 with two tickets to the event. The Great Blue Heron Level is $150 and includes one ticket to the event.

All sponsors will be included in advertising, social media posts and signage at the event. They will also have the option to add cards, brochures, or other items to the Welcome Bags for the event.

Funds raised will go to Friends of the ONWR and improvements to the Wildlife Drive at the refuge. The drive allows visitors to explore wetlands, woodlands, and prairies without having to leave the comfort of their vehicle.

“Friends of the ONWR are in the midst of a fund raising campaign for proposed improvements to the Wildlife Drive. We want to install more pull-offs in strategic locations allowing visitors to view wildlife through ‘windows’ in the habitat. The refuge would also like to add interpretive signs in key locations, as well as improved directional signage to help visitors navigate the drive, said Arent.

An early exit is another option the refuge is working on as part of the improvement plan. Finally the staff would like to add a much-requested destination place near the midway point for the Wildlife Drive. Funds raised for this project will not only help the refuge make the Wildlife Drive improvements, but also help to maintain the drive over time.