Cow Pie Bingo raises funds for MDA

Waiting for a steer calf to make a “deposit” on a fenced-in grid sounds like an odd way to spend a day.

But that is exactly what hundreds did Saturday in the seventh annual Cow Pie Bingo, a fundraiser for children with muscular dystrophy.

The event was sponsored by Tompkins Community Bank and hosted by Classic Harley-Davidson, 983 James Drive, Bern Township.

For the main event, a field was fenced and divided into numbered square blocks.

Members of the public were invited to buy tickets for one square for $20 or three squares for $50. The calf was brought onto the field and allowed to do his business. The person with a ticket for the lucky square won the $500 prize.

The event has grown significantly over the years and has raised over $103,400 to date, said Stephanie Waits, a Tompkins representative. While totals for this year were not immediately available, she said, the bank set a goal of $22,000.

The fundraiser is a tremendous boost to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, said Michelle Waters, a representative of the nationwide organization that works to support people with neuromuscular diseases.

“Our mission is to empower the people we serve to live longer, more independent lives,” Waters said.

There are about 11,600 people in Pennsylvania living with a muscular dystrophy or another neuromuscular disease, she said. They can find help and support at one of 12 care centers operated in the region by MDA.

The funds raised Saturday will help send children with MD and other NDs to summer camp and aid research, she said.

“There are some promising new drugs,” Waters said.

The event on the grounds of the motorcycle dealership also featured raffles, games, music and food and a morning motorcycle run with stops in Kutztown, Wyomissing, Muhlenberg and Bern townships.

In addition to the $500 prize, ticket holders had a chance to win a rare 1993 Harley Davidson Moo Glide.

The collector’s piece features cowhide trim and is one of only 2,700 produced in a single year, said Matt Jackson, director of events and marketing at Classic Harley Davidson.

BILL UHRICH - READING EAGLE Michelle Waters of the Muscular Dystrophy Association with a 1993Harley-Davidson Nostalgia heritage Moo Glide motorcycle that could be won during the Cow Pie Bingo event Saturday at Classic Harley-Davidson in Bern Township. Aug. 13.

BILL UHRICH - READING EAGLE Jerry Tobias of West Lawn rides a mechanical bull in front of the Cow Pie Bingo enclosure at Classic Harley-Davidson in Bern Township Saturday, Aug. 13..