The Friends of Catasauqua Parks group held a gift card bingo April 16 at Catasauqua American Legion Post 215, 330 Second St.

A full slate of Friends were on hand at the event, which they all deemed successful.

Post 215 leader Joe Kovacs and his team staffed the kitchen. They have worked to expand the diversity of events at the Legion building during the past year. Kovacs said he was delighted with the turnout for the bingo.

Gene Schlegel, Friends chair and borough councilman, and his wife, Catasauqua Mayor Barbara Schlegel, helped run the event.

Friends officer Tara Nichols tended to bingo winners as she roamed around the social hall assisting attendees. Borough Councilwoman Jill Smerdon and her husband, Shan, helped coordinate the event.

The bingo numbers were called by borough council Vice President Howard Cunningham.

Proceeds from the event will go to improving Catasauqua parks to enhance the quality of life for borough residents.

The Friends group began as an effort to save the municipal pool, which has been closed for several years. The pool presents as an enormous renovation or removal cost for taxpayers.

The large expenditure prompted the group to shift to raising money for the Catasauqua park system. According to Smerdon, the group has raised about $16,000 for the parks.

The Friends group is seeking more members, including individuals and business supporters. The group plans to expand its fundraising activities.

Visit the Friends of the Catasauqua Parks Facebook page for more information, to join or to donate.