Bingo Night Brings Holiday Magic to Military Families Through STEP Support
An exciting Bingo fundraiser at San Vicente Resort led by homeowner Jodie Taylor united the community in joyful support of eight local military families through STEP’s Sharing the Joy holiday program.
The San Vicente Room at San Vicente Resort buzzed with excitement on Friday, November 21, as 111 guests gathered for a lively Bingo fundraiser benefiting STEP—Support the Enlisted Project. Laughter, friendly competition, and spirited cheering filled the evening as families, friends, and neighbors came together to provide holiday gifts and support for military families in need this Christmas. Guests enjoyed a delicious Mexican-style banquet and a festive atmosphere, with several attendees fully embracing the theme by wearing colorful Bingo-inspired outfits. One participant laughed, “I’m gonna win everything!” while another joked, “I can’t do anything halfway,” capturing the fun and competitive energy of the night.
Event organizers and hosts, Jodie and homeowner Toni Munsterman, welcomed attendees, managed sign-ups, and ensured every table had Bingo materials ready to go. When everyone found their seats, Jodie kicked off the night with an enthusiastic “Crack On!” and play began. Each round’s winner was met with applause and rewarded with a celebratory shot, adding even more to the joyful tone of the night. Between games, raffle prizes were announced, sending waves of cheers around the room.
Choosing STEP as the beneficiary was deeply personal for Jodie. “My husband Bryan is a retired master chief in the Navy, and he would always talk about junior sailors he was mentoring. It made me realize that it wasn’t just the active-duty member that sometimes needed assistance, but the whole family,” she shared. Her connection with STEP began in 2017, when a chance seating arrangement at a professional event put her next to the organization’s Director of Development. “We just struck up a friendship,” she said. “I have supported STEP in various ways ever since then.”
STEP’s Sharing the Joy holiday program helps junior enlisted service members provide gifts for their children, ensuring families don’t have to choose between holiday celebrations and essential needs. “Parents shouldn’t have to worry if they can get Christmas gifts for their families,” Jodie said. “Kids shouldn’t wonder why Santa didn’t bring them a gift or think they were on the naughty list. Now that I have kids, this program means so much more to me. I hope to help those families feel that magic at Christmas time!”
Active-duty service member Rob echoed this sentiment: “I love it. It supports people who can’t always look out for themselves right now.”
Once the final Bingo card was called, Jodie’s mission shifted to holiday shopping. The following week, she carefully selected gifts and wrapping supplies for the eight families, then delivered everything to STEP Headquarters in San Diego last week, where she was warmly thanked by STEP CEO Tony Teravainen.
Veronica Worthington from Step said, “FILL IN – call response pending”
The generosity shown at San Vicente means eight military families will experience a joyful and memorable Christmas morning, thanks to a community that came together with love, laughter, and giving.
To learn more about STEP’s Sharing the Joy program or to get involved, visit thier webpage.
Photos by Heather McGhee. Photos of the STEP toy dropoff courtesy of Jodie Taylor.
