March 2021 - 32

CLUB News
Marin unit raises $153,000
for homeless
By Tracey Bauer | Unit 508 Marin County

he Marin CA unit's virtual holiday benefit in
December 2020 was a huge success, with the
glitterati of the bridge world turning their talents
into a big win for a local charity. Organized by Melanie
Haddad and Tracey Bauer, Unit 508 raised over $153,000
for Homeward Bound of Marin, which provides shelter,
housing, and training to families and individuals facing
homelessness - the most money the unit has ever raised
in its 10-plus years of supporting Homeward Bound at its
holiday party.
" Melanie and I wanted to do something for Homeward
Bound this year even though we could not have an in-person
event, " said Bauer. " I had this crazy idea to take our annual
fundraiser online and create a way to auction off the chance
to play with world-class bridge players from all over North
America, and we ran with it. We were overwhelmed by
the interest generated by our event and the support of the
bridge community across the country. "
Over 30 well-known bridge professionals and experts
donated their time to play in the unit's holiday game, partnering the winners from a silent auction. Bidders from all
over the country vied for this rare opportunity to play with
and learn from these world-class players. All participants
were emailed a newsletter with hand analysis and commentary from the pros.

Small-time club, big-time club
manager
By Mark Hanlon | Bismarck Bridge Club

he Bismarck Bridge Club is a small club in North
Dakota. In recent years, we have averaged two to
five tables at our weekly games. We have charged
only three or four dollars to play and typically have only
a few thousand dollars in the bank. Our club operates on
a break-even basis; our only significant income is from a
couple of tournaments a year. Nevertheless, we remain
committed to making duplicate bridge available and
affordable. We have several newer players who are growing in their abilities and continue to wish to learn.
We have been blessed with a very talented club manager,
Barb Lennington. She has moved us forward over the years,

32 | Bridge Bulletin | March 2021

obtaining a dealing machine
for the club and consistently
taking advantage of special
games for our members. When
we had to end our face-toface games, Barb stepped up,
volunteering to do some online
directing for virtual club games
and learning a great deal about
directing games on BBO. Our
Barb Lennington,
virtual club began slowly and,
manager of the Bismarck
for a time, was the only virtual
Bridge Club.
club game in our state. Soon
clubs in Fargo, Minot, Dickinson and Detroit Lakes MN
were interested in participating and joined us. We later
added players from Grand Forks ND, East Grand Forks
MN, and Grafton ND. The games grew steadily under
Barb's oversight. We now have six unlimited games and one
limited game every week, averaging seven tables. Barb also
recruited and taught club members how to direct online
and helped a club member from Detroit Lakes MN to start
a limited game.
As we grew in numbers, Barb hired a director from out
of state to help. We've kept our card fees low and still
experienced income growth. The club board decided to
share the increased revenue with participating clubs based
on their membership participation.
Our snowbirds - it's cold here in the winter - can continue
to play with their friends and regular partners online, and
we can play with others from distant clubs, broadening our
bridge experience. It's become clear that online virtual club
games are here to stay, even after we can play face-to-face.
It's also clear that our little club in Bismarck is blessed to
have a big-time manager like Barb Lennington.

Helen Morrison
By Ella Rice | Crazy 4 Bridge

elen Morrison of Concord NC celebrated
her 100th birthday in December. Helen has
three children, eight grandchildren and 23
great-grandchildren.
Helen was born Dec. 22, 1920. Before COVID, Helen
played several times a week at the Concord Bridge Club and
at the Lake Norman Bridge Club, both in North Carolina.
Since COVID, she plays four to five times a week on BBO.
Playing online is convenient and safe, however, she is
greatly missed by everyone at both clubs.

March 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of March 2021