History:
The Armenian Cultural and Educational Center was officially opened in June 1980. That same year, Steering Committee Chairman Aram Kaloosdian and Vice Chairman Jack DerAvedisian asked Dick Sanasarian, Charlie Aslanian and Ralph Tutunjian to start a bingo game. Everyone agreed that bingo would be an important source of income for the Center. At the time, there were approximately 850 licensed bingo games operating in Massachusetts supporting churches, schools and non-profits.
In October 1980, a license to operate a Wednesday game was issued by the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission, Dick Sanasarian was designated ‘Member in Charge’ as required by Lottery Rules, volunteers were recruited and trained, equipment and supplies were purchased and the first game was held on Wednesday October 21, 1980. Profit from that first game was $366.24
Over the past 34 years, ACEC bingo has generated $2,761,000 for the Center. The proceeds have been used to pay debt service and utility bills. The game complies with all the rules and regulations of the State Lottery Commission. The Lottery Commission conducts regular audits of our game. Weekly results must be reported to the Lottery on a BC2 form within 10 days. In addition, an Annual Report which summarizes all BC2’s must be submitted within 3 weeks of year-end with a copy to the Watertown Board of Selectmen. From our first audit in 1980, ACEC bingo has received nothing but praise from Lottery Auditors, which is a testament to the competence and dedication of our volunteers.
Following Dick Sanasarian as Member in Charge were, Aghop Kessissian, Nairi Makarian, Seta Garabedian, and current manager Ann Navoian.
Today, we continue to operate a successful game offering our players ample parking, Handicap accessible facilities, the maximum cash prizes allowed by law, complimentary snack and coffee, a gourmet snack bar and a friendly and dedicated staff of volunteers.
We welcome new players and volunteers. Whether you decide to play bingo or volunteer to help, you will be supporting your community center.
Bingo game information:
Doors open at 4:30PM, games begin at 6:45 ending at approximately 10:00PM.
Packages are available starting at $11.00 which includes 20 regular $100 games and 2 winner take all games with prize money dependent on attendance.
Two special game strips are sold before and during the game, a 50/50 game for $1 per strip and a progressive jackpot game for $1 a strip with a top prize building to $3000.
Charity game tickets (pull tabs) are sold before and during the game.
10 $20 door prizes are awarded at intermission.
