Bingo in Minnetonka Benefits Seniors, Local Businesses

When Nancy Fust, a resident of , a senior living community in Minnetonka, decided to make her way to the to play bingo Saturday morning, little did she know that she'd walk away with a gift card from Wendy's.

"I'll buy a hamburger or something," Fust said with a chuckle

But it's what else Fust took home with her that will serve a greater purpose for the other people who live in her community — an assortment of pamphlets and business cards from businesses who serve seniors. 

"I'm taking all the literature and I keep that handy because many people, where I live, need a reference of some type," she said. "I keep all that in a package, so when people need something of that sort, I'm able to throw out a name."

Ten businesses from across the West Metro area helped organize Saturday's bingo event to show seniors a good time and to show them some of the different services that are available to them in their community.

"There are so many services, hundreds of services available," said Cathy Matrejek, owner of Changing Lifestyle Solutions and one of the event organizers. "It would really be nice if people understand our business or come to us."

Some of the businesses present offered information on handyman services, reverse mortgages, fiduciary services and getaways to Australia. 

"Seniors are a super market, we love them," said Robert Fisher, a premier Aussie Specialist. "We've been attending to their interests for many years."

Only about 25 seniors came out to play bingo, yet the business representatives who organized the event say they're pleased with the turnout and plan another such event in September.

Meanwhile, as long as the businesses have people such as Fust speaking up on their behalf, they're confident word will get around.

"I try to help [the seniors where I live] and do what I can," Fust said. "I realized the difficulties in seeking out the things that you need, so I try to avail myself to other people that way."