When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Wichita along with the rest of the world, the Multicultural Leadership Organization (MCLO) knew they had to do something to help. MCLO got creative in their efforts and raised $540 for the World Health Organization (WHO) Solidarity Response Fund.
President of the organization Kimberly Pham said she knew people were cooped up at home and looking for entertainment so MCLO decided to provide that entertainment in a meaningful way.
Pham had participated in social media bingofor other organizational fundraising efforts and thought it would work well considering the circumstances.
Each club member was given a COVID-19 bingo card to share on their social media account(s).
Pham explained, “This activity was done through all forms of social media, including Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Snapchat, as well as by word-of-mouth.”
Pham designed the bingo cards to have various dollar amounts in each box, ranging from $1 to $5.
The goal was to achieve a blackout by filling the card with the names of donors.
Members shared the bingo card and encouraged followers to donate in order to fill a square with their name. When an individual sent money to Pham’s listed Venmo account, the member would repost their bingo card with the name of the donor filling the appropriate box(es). Some donors chose to donate enough to fill an entire row and create a bingo.
MCLO was fortunate to not run into challenges with this initiative, Pham said. “We successfully came together and adapted to the world circumstances in efforts of combating the pandemic.”
Pham enjoys being a part of an organization that works to make a difference in the community. “My favorite part about MCLO is the willingness and open hearts we see from our members. We are not afraid to speak our minds and are vigilant in attaining the milestones we set for ourselves. MCLO is more than just a Newman organization, rather it is a family that I can look up to.”
Pham will become vice president of the organization beginning fall 2020.
“I am looking forward to hearing the creative ideas that our MCLO members will bring to the table as we fight these tough battles ahead of us,” she said.
