Play bingo with Kenneth, help kids read

Normally, we’d balk at a $25 buy-in for bingo night. But once we started reading about 826NYC’s “Dueling Bingos” night, we found ourselves reaching for our wallets. You may find yourself across the table from—and trash-talked-to by—actors and comedians like 30 Rock‘s Jack McBrayer, The Daily Show‘s John Oliver, This American Life‘s Sarah Vowell or Eric Gilliland, a TV writer whose credits include That 70’s Show and Roseanne (he probably has a good insult or two). And, did we mention? All the money from the evening goes toward 826NYC’s free literacy programs.

So far, fewer than 40 people have signed up for this head-to-head, cut-throat bingo throw-down. So that gives you pretty good odds of rubbing bingo cards with the cool kids. Especially if you follow 826NYC’s advice and buy extra cards and balls (the non-profit has no qualms about selling you the advantage for their good cause).

For six years, 826NYC has been encouraging students aged 6-18 to write and strengthen their literary ability, through after-school and drop-in programs, tutoring and assisting student publications. It’s a cause we can get behind—because Brokelyn’s always looking to stock-up the future intern pool.

Join in the Bingo fun this Saturday, August 7, at 7 p,m. 826NYC is at 572 Fifth Ave. in Park Slope. $25. If you can’t make it (or suck at Bingo), and really want Kenneth from 30 Rock to win, you can buy him (or any player) an extra card online for $10.