Editor, Manteca Bulletin,
After reading the letter to the editor, I just had to respond.  I would like to commend our City Council on all the work that they so diligently do for the citizens of Manteca.  I am especially happy to hear that someone on the Council is addressing the Bingo situation.
I am the Executive Director of a small 501c3 non-profit organization.  We are staffed by all volunteers.  No salaries are paid. We provide free services to 209 young moms, dads, and babies.  They receive counseling, parenting classes, life skill classes, and earn free supplies such as diapers, wipes, formula, and clothing for their babies.  We do not receive any government funding, and rely on donations from churches and individuals as well as fundraisers.  Bingo is a profitable fundraiser and lots of fun.
There are many non-profits such as ours that provide vital services for our community whether it is to help young parents, give children a safe place to play or learn, or help our veterans.  They all rely on fundraising for most of their needs.  The recent discovery that Bingo was not allowed unless you owned the property it was held at or rented an office and conducted business from that property, put an immediate halt to the biggest fundraisers.
I strongly back this council for taking an interest and looking into this matter.  I personally wrote to all of them and asked for help.  I approached Vince Hernandez personally on this issue and he assured me that he would look into it.  Thank you, Vince, for following through on this issue.  It may be small to some people, but it means a great deal to many non-profits.  To us, it is as important as any other issue before the Council.  This proves that no matter how large or small the issue may appear to be, if it affects the citizens of Manteca, our Council will look into it.  Keep up the good work!

Janice Laplume
Manteca