Nonprofits are the winners of Bend’s fundraising game card
Every Sunday morning, there’s a line of people at Silver Moon Brewing’s side door, waiting to indulge in a breakfast cocktail and throw money at a good cause.
This is Not’cho Grandma’s Bingo—six rounds of fun and fundraising games with host Dusty Riley and her partner, Stacia Guzzo, cofounders of YOUNI Movement, a company dedicated to promoting inclusivity and awareness at community events. The duo provides event planning, production and execution. As emcee, Riley brings high energy vibes and a pay-it-forward spirit to each gathering.
Not’cho Grandma’s Bingo started about nine years ago, when Riley was general manager of Silver Moon Brewing and planned the brewpub’s events. “It was a natural arm for Silver Moon to be a hub for the community and to support local nonprofits,” she said.
In 2016, the bingo games raised money for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue foundation each Sunday. The bingo program continued to grow from there, and in 2024, almost 30 nonprofits benefited from the events at Silver Moon Brewing. Riley estimates that more than $2 million has been raised for organizations throughout the region.
Working closely with the featured nonprofit in the weeks leading up to an event, Guzzo and Riley design a program to meet the organization’s goals, from raising money or identifying new donors and volunteers to increasing awareness of a nonprofit’s mission.
“It’s very intentional. You may show up and think, ‘This is crazy chaos!’ But it’s carefully crafted. It might seem like this spontaneously crazy event, but ultimately we’re working for that communal uplift,” Guzzo said. “People in the audience aren’t even aware that we have goals in mind.”
In Oregon, bingo games are governed by the Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ). Nonprofits must apply for a bingo license, and there are restrictions and legal hoops to jump through. Each October, YOUNI Movement opens up its schedule for the coming year to connect with nonprofits. Those interested in participating must meet all Oregon DOJ requirements, and representatives are asked to attend a Q&A. Upcoming beneficiaries include Healing Reins, Saving Grace, Mount Bachelor Ski Patrol and Bend Park and Recreation District. The schedule is full throughout the spring.
Deschutes Children’s Foundation Executive Director Cassi MacQueen is a longtime partner with YOUNI Movement, and the Foundation has fundraised through Not’cho Grandma’s Bingo many times over the years.
“The participatory, high-energy bingo events they run are some of the most fun and effortless fundraising opportunities we’ve ever enjoyed,” MacQueen said. “Being able to invite our supporters for a boisterous event that celebrates community and inclusion while furthering our mission? Yes, please!”
Noting that there is a trifecta that brings these events together, Riley explained how she and Guzzo, Silver Moon Brewing and the nonprofit all share in each other’s goals. “One of them,” Guzzo added, “is that we can inform and introduce the community to even more of the amazing things that are happening in Central Oregon.”
Learn more at younimovement.com, and silvermoonbrewing.com.
