Drag Queen Comedy Bingo coming to Rehoboth Feb. 15

Gather friends Wednesday, Feb. 15 for Anna Rexia's drag queen comedy bingo event, a night of fun and fundraising designed to keep everyone laughing. In addition to the games, cash prizes and entertainment there will be a cash bar and a 50/50 raffle, so come one and all, the more the merrier. All the proceeds from the evening will go to help support Immanuel Shelter’s Code Purple Services - helping those in the community who struggle with homelessness this winter. 

Join Rexia, Jennel Collins and neighbors at the Community Hall of All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Olive Avenue, in Rehoboth Beach. Doors open at 7 p.m.; games begin at 7:30; $25 cover at the door for nine game cards, (three games), plus $1 for each additional card. They even provide the dabbers!

The need in the community is great. A demographic survey conducted by The Homeless Planning Council of Delaware showed that on Jan. 29, 2015, a total of 87 households and 149 individuals experienced homelessness in Sussex County.

Immanuel Shelter, 501c3 works to shelter homeless adult men and women, offering protection from the harsh, sometimes life-threatening winter elements. Providing compassionate, trained and skilled staff, along with the help of volunteers, demonstrates a respect and dignity for all Immanuel homeless guests.

In Sussex County, the experience of homelessness occurs as a result of complex individual circumstances coupled with economic insecurity, poverty and a lack of access to affordable housing. According to the Delaware State Housing authorities, in Sussex County over 10,000 families are severely cost-burdened, paying more than 50 percent of their income on housing costs; More than 4,000 families are living in substandard or overcrowded conditions; and a growing number of moderate income homeowners are also challenged by increasing local housing costs.

Ways to help:

• Become a sponsor, a donor, or a participant in one or more of the fundraising events to be held this year.

• Donate life sustaining materials to the shelter. Contact them for a list of most urgent needs.

• Volunteer: Reach out to contacts and make a plan to bring a group together to raise funds, raise awareness or maybe, like 70 percent of their volunteers, support the mission by providing meals and support at the shelter.

• Have at least one conversation this week sharing the need to help those in the community who are struggling with homelessness.

Go to www.immanuelshelter.org for more information.