Together, We Raised $1.2 Million!
On October 24, we got comfy and cozy at the 23rd annual PlayBingo presented by Alpha School. This year’s event brought together almost 1,300 guests for the ultimate pajama party — complete with feathered robes and fuzzy slippers. Together we raise $1.2 million in support of the Center for Child Protection!
We are deeply grateful to all our guests and sponsors who made this extraordinary impact possible. A special thank you to our emcees, the Friends of Christopher Guild, and the dedicated volunteers who continue to make PlayBingo one of Austin’s most anticipated traditions.
Thank you for helping build brighter futures for children in Travis County.
For questions, please email Katherine Franklin at kfranklin@centerforchildprotection.org.
Save the Date for 2027
Mark your calendar for next year’s PlayBingo on October 23 at the Hilton Austin!
Melissa Lowe
Melissa Lowe is a proud Austinite who attended Texas State University where she graduated with a degree in Mass Communications – Broadcasting. Melissa was both a television news anchor and reporter for many years, working behind the desk and in the field for six years at KCEN-TV, and at KVUE-TV for four years. Melissa has since retired from the television news industry but will always have a passion for journalism. In 2010, Melissa received her Real Estate license and began her career in the title industry. Melissa proudly works at Texas National Title and has been a top sales and marketing representative in the Austin Real Estate market for nearly 15 years. In April of 2023, Melissa married Matt Lowe, Owner of Dynamic Sports Medicine. He’s now the proud step-dad to Tessa, Mitchell and Connor. They live in Barton Creek where they enjoy golfing, swimming, and playing outside. Melissa was a celebrity dancer in support of the Center for Child Protection’s Dancing with the Stars Austin gala in 2019 and is a proud member of the Guardian Angel Society.
Nick Bannin
Nick Bannin is KXAN’s Chief Meteorologist and Anchor of the weekend evening weather forecast. Born in Bristol, England, he moved to Manchester before his family relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio, when he was four. Fascinated by weather from a young age, Nick knew he wanted to be a meteorologist by age five. He spent part of his childhood in California, then attended Cornell University, graduating with a degree in Atmospheric Science and a minor in Applied Economics and Management. Nick’s proudest achievement is his coverage of the June 1, 2011 EF-3 Tornado in Springfield. He and his team are credited with saving lives during the storm. Nick and his wife Katerina moved to Central Texas in January 2021, just before a major winter storm. They are the proud parents of Luka and Mila.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Promote your brand to 1,300+ influential woman while supporting the children of Travis County. Hosted by the Friends of Christopher Guild for 23 years, PlayBingo sells out the day tickets go on sale. This high-demand event offers a unique experience and raises vital funds for children impacted by abuse. Connect with Austin’s top philanthropists and highlight your company’s commitment to the community. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this impactful, exclusive event!

Watch this video to learn more about the Center for Child Protection
Through fundraisers like PlayBingo, the Center is able to educate more community members about the prevalence of child abuse and provide even more services to Travis County’s most vulnerable children. Every ticket purchased truly makes a difference in the lives of children served at the Center and takes our community one step closer to ending the cycle of abuse.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Alpha School
BON VIVANT SPONSORS
Alpha School
Tina Bizar
Don Julio 1942
Friends of Jeremy Fisher
Golinghorst Family
Lake Austin Spa Resort
Lanehart Electric
Melinda McLellan & the Bed Heads
Smith~Offerdahl~Moon
Monique Threadgill & Nhi Prewitt
PLATINUM SPONSORS
Breakfast at Bingo
H-E-B
Judge Bianca Garcia & Judge Maria Cantu Hexsel
Heritage Title Company
Jasmyn Yu/999 Legacy Holdings
Lexus of Lakeway & Lexus of Austin
Texas National Title
GOLD SPONSORS
Leslie Dawson & Susan Hackney
The DeLaTorre Copeland family
Friends of Govalle Elementary
Friends of Teri Naiser & Jeanie Farra
Hilton Austin
Kathy Loden & Friends
rAVe Agency
Sewell
WTTA Team – Blurred Lines
SILVER SPONSORS
Dina Akkari & friends
American Bank of Commerce ABC Bank
Austin Residential Group – Heather Hudson
Big Easy Entertainment / Monte Goertz Company LLC
Bingo Babes
Frost Bank
Frost Insurance
Republic Spine & Pain
The Ladies of Circle C
The Law Office of Barbara Rowan
Carol Wilson & VIPs
BRONZE SPONSORS
Bedhead & Boujee
Belles of Bingo
Jessica Berry
Bingo Bedheads
Judge Susana Castillo-Littlejohn
Denim & Diamonds
Dignity Memorial
Falconhead West Ladies
Friends of Katie Drummond
Jon & Blair Harder
The Hull Firm
KB Home
KDS de stijl interiors, LLC
Kristi & Mary’s PJ Party
McArdle
Prosecuties
PJ Dancing Queens!
Resting Bingo Face
Senior Living Kit
Tara Shaikh
The Sleeping Beauties
Casey Swenson
YOLO Ladies
BRACELET SPONSOR
H-E-B
BEAUTY & BLOOMS SPONSORS
Bartlett’s
BK Beauty
diptyque
Eliza Page
Mary Kay, Amanda Van Hoozer
TOC Med Spa
BICYCLE SPONSOR
Tina Holmes
BINGO PRIZE SPONSORS
ABC Home & Commercial Services
Diamonds Direct
The Domain
diptyque
Eliza Page
Katie Kime
Lake Austin Spa & Resort
The Round Rock Class of 1976
BUBBLES & BLING SPONSOR
diptyque
Kendra Scott
Lexus of Lakeway & Lexus of Austin
Nothing Bundt Cakes
CHILDREN’S CHAIR SPONSORS
Elyse Barmettler
Kathy Barmettler
Kristen Blauvelt
Aaron Darling
Nancy Hoover
Marissa Kashani
Julissa Mora
Anshu Panicker
Teri Shipper
Deidre Vedder
Gretchen Watson
DESSERT SPONSOR
JoCarol Snowden, Moreland Properties
EVENT FAVOR SPONSOR
Jasmyn Yu/999 Legacy Holdings
EVERYONE WINS SPONSOR
Dell Children’s Foundation
FACILITY DOG SPONSOR
Esther Einsweiler
Kathy Loden
Sprio Homes and Hospitality
FRIENDS OF PLAYBINGO
Raelynn Barnhill
Bright Event Rentals
The Round Rock Class of 1976
Twin Liquors
HEADS OR TAILS SPONSOR
Diamonds Direct
Lexus of Lakeway & Lexus of Austin
LIFES A BOX OF CHOCOLATES SPONSOR
KB Home
MARKETING SPONSOR
i3 Event Marketing
POWDER ROOM SPONSOR
Kelley Clark & John Greening
PREMIER SPONSOR
H-E-B
PHOTO BOOTH SPONSOR
rAVe Agency
RECEPTION SPONSORS
Big Easy Entertainment
Monte Goertz Company
SIP & SAVOR SPONSOR
Bartlett’s
Hilton Austin
Parable Wines
TABLE PRIZE SPONSOR
Northern Trust
TEDDY BEAR SPONSOR
44 East Mahjong Club
ERMD
Friends of Ann Kasper
Debbie Kobelan
Paula Roever & Fred Eppright
Root & Scalp Spa
Tami Scott
The Vuolo Family
TOTE BAG SPONSOR
Sewell
VOLUNTEER SPONSORSHIP
Friends of Christopher Guild