CULLMAN, Ala. – Local nonprofit Flourish of Cullman hosted a fun-filled night recently at its Kentucky Derby Bingo fundraiser. Held at Cotton Creek Venue, the event saw guests participating in five rounds of bingo, a game of heads or tails and enjoying door prizes and a silent auction.
All the festivities had one goal: raising funds for Flourish’s Robert Squires Independent Living Skills Apartment. Flourish is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals with differing abilities live and work within the Cullman community. The event raised a total of $34,000.
“Everybody wants to be able to win prizes, and bingo has always been a fun way for us to bring people together and introduce them to what we do,” said Founder and Executive Director Melissa Dew.
This year’s fundraiser marks the final push to complete the Robert Squires Independent Living Skills Apartment. It is an ADA-compliant two-bedroom, one-bathroom unit where individuals will be assessed and supported in developing life skills to help them live independently. “We want individuals to come in, be assessed on their strengths and weaknesses, and then receive the tools they need to succeed in their own households,” Dew explained.
During the Kentucky Derby Bingo event, Flourish also honored several local businesses and individuals with Game Changer Awards, recognizing their long-term support and commitment to employing people served by the organization. Those recognized included Newk’s Eatery, Ross Dress for Less, Brickyard Meats, Lindsay Robinson and Brooke Rodriguez.
“It’s not just letting someone sit at your table. It’s believing they belong at your table,” Dew said.
Dew also announced the Kentucky Derby Bingo event will return on April 11, 2026. Flourish continues its outreach through social media, volunteer opportunities and its Job Exploration Training Services (JETS) program, in partnership with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitative Services. This partnership provides work experience for individuals involved with Flourish.
If you are interested in learning more or assisting with Flourish’s mission, visit www.flourishofcullman.com or www.facebook.com/flourishofcullmaninc or call 256-735-4186.
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