Latest news with #MegaBingo
West Australian
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Telethon Mega Bingo: Mum Tanya Ford takes home huge car prize after selling her vehicle to pay school fees
A mum who had just sold her car to pay for school fees will now be able to drive her daughter in a brand new GWM Haval Jolion after having the winning ticket at Telethon's annual Mega Bingo event. More than a quarter of a million dollars was raised for WA's sickest children as over 10,000 participants descended on the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre over two days this weekend for Australia's largest bingo call. The stakes were high with more than $274,000 in cash prizes up for grabs across the weekend, including a single game with a whopping $37,500 prize. Out of the 9481 tickets sold to win Sunday's GWM Haval Jolion, valued at $29,990 drive away, Tanya Ford had the winning numbers and she was in complete shock as 7NEWS sports commentator Adrian Barich called her to the stage. She said her family had never owned a new car. 'My husband has been catching public transport to his job at the airport — we live in Kallaroo so it takes over an hour,' she said. 'This is absolutely incredible to get to come here today. 'We have a car now. I just can't believe it.' She said she brought along a lucky golden owl that her friend had given her and 'obviously the lucky owl was on our side.' Lucky charms were a theme among the winners on Sunday with Annabel Tunley taking home $37,500 after pulling a toy horse out of her purse, which a school student had given her. The teacher and grant writer was jumping and screaming as the bingo caller confirmed she had the winning numbers. 'I actually didn't even know how to fill out a bingo card before I came here,' she said. 'I did actually feel quite lucky coming into today and those games before were getting me ready for the big win. 'Telethon is all about WA kids so I know seeing this room full of people really having fun and spending money has made me really think how important it is and how important this is for WA.' For WA film director Jordon Prince-Wright, it was a full circle moment to be at the bingo event after Telethon helped him beat brain cancer as a child. The director of WA's biggest feature film, Before Dawn, said he is now able to support the cause that is close to his heart. 'I had a brain tumour when I was three and spent my childhood in Princess Margaret Hospital. If it wasn't for Telethon that purchased the equipment that effectively saved my life, I wouldn't be here today,' he said. 'As much as my company can now support Telethon, it's fantastic.' All proceeds from the weekend go towards Telethon to supporting life-changing programs, equipment and services for sick, vulnerable and disadvantaged children across the State. The 2025 Telethon Weekend will be held over October 18 and 19 at RAC Arena.
Perth Now
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Emotional moments for Telethon Mega Bingo winners
A mum who had just sold her car to pay for school fees will now be able to drive her daughter in a brand new GWM Haval Jolion after having the winning ticket at Telethon's annual Mega Bingo event. More than a quarter of a million dollars was raised for WA's sickest children as over 10,000 participants descended on the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre over two days this weekend for Australia's largest bingo call. The stakes were high with more than $274,000 in cash prizes up for grabs across the weekend, including a single game with a whopping $37,500 prize. Out of the 9481 tickets sold to win Sunday's GWM Haval Jolion, valued at $29,990 drive away, Tanya Ford had the winning numbers and she was in complete shock as 7NEWS sports commentator Adrian Barich called her to the stage. Tanya Ford Wins a car at Telethon Bingo On Sunday afternoon. Credit: Riley Churchman / The West Australian She said her family had never owned a new car. 'My husband has been catching public transport to his job at the airport — we live in Kallaroo so it takes over an hour,' she said. 'This is absolutely incredible to get to come here today. 'We have a car now. I just can't believe it.' She said she brought along a lucky golden owl that her friend had given her and 'obviously the lucky owl was on our side.' Lucky charms were a theme among the winners on Sunday with Annabel Tunley taking home $37,500 after pulling a toy horse out of her purse, which a school student had given her. Annabel Tunley Wins $37,500 at Telethon Bingo On Sunday afternoon. Credit: Riley Churchman / The West Australian The teacher and grant writer was jumping and screaming as the bingo caller confirmed she had the winning numbers. 'I actually didn't even know how to fill out a bingo card before I came here,' she said. 'I did actually feel quite lucky coming into today and those games before were getting me ready for the big win. 'Telethon is all about WA kids so I know seeing this room full of people really having fun and spending money has made me really think how important it is and how important this is for WA.' Ashleigh Hunter and Fat Cat at Telethon Bingo On Sunday afternoon. Credit: Riley Churchman / The West Australian For WA film director Jordon Prince-Wright, it was a full circle moment to be at the bingo event after Telethon helped him beat brain cancer as a child. The director of WA's biggest feature film, Before Dawn, said he is now able to support the cause that is close to his heart. 'I had a brain tumour when I was three and spent my childhood in Princess Margaret Hospital. If it wasn't for Telethon that purchased the equipment that effectively saved my life, I wouldn't be here today,' he said. 'As much as my company can now support Telethon, it's fantastic.' All proceeds from the weekend go towards Telethon to supporting life-changing programs, equipment and services for sick, vulnerable and disadvantaged children across the State. The 2025 Telethon Weekend will be held over October 18 and 19 at RAC Arena.
Perth Now
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Thousands travel far and wide to win cash in Mega Bingo
A full house was just the ticket as more than 5000 players packed the Perth Convention Centre hoping to win a piece of the $137,000 prize money offered in the annual Telethon Mega Bingo yesterday. Players — both experienced and novice — intently followed calls like 'legs eleven' and 'clickety-click' with dreams of spending big on a new kitchen or overseas holiday. And when first-time player Natasha Newberry shouted 'bingo' to secure $37,500 cash, a huge round of loud cheers filled the room. Ms Newbery, who has seven children and one grandchild on the way, said she couldn't wait to share the winnings with the family. 'It's like a dream come true, I came in with high spirits but I never thought it would actually happen,' she said. Players came dressed for success, some in rubber duckie onesies, others wearing floral headpieces, all adding to the vibrancy of the day. Doreen Hughes (97) at the Telethon Mega Bingo 2025 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. Credit: Ross Swanborough / The West Australian Among the enthralled crowd was 61-year-old Gary Thomas, who flew all the way from England to take part in the bingo extravaganza. Mr Thomas had been hearing about the Telethon Mega Bingo from friends who had volunteered since the very first bingo event in 2008, and said he 'had to see what it was all about'. 'I arrived in Perth last night and I leave tomorrow evening,' he said. 'I always knew I was going to come do it one day... I will be back for sure, I am having a lot of fun.' Monique Archer racked up some frequent flyer points too, jetting over from Brisbane for a quick two-day break to take part in the Mega Bingo. The crowd at the Telethon Mega Bingo 2025 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre Credit: Ross Swanborough / The West Australian 'I'm from Perth originally but I've lived in Queensland for 17 years. All my best girlfriends are still here so I often come back for the event,' she said. 'I grew up watching Telethon on TV. When I go home I feel like my soul is filled having spent time with my best friends and sister and helping raise money for children in WA.' Karen Raftos — the first-ever prize winner at the very first Telethon Mega Bingo — was there with her daughter Rachel Wright and mum Helen Raftos. Karen Raftos, Rachel Wright and Helen Raftos, who are 3 generations playing at the Telethon Mega Bingo 2025 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. Credit: Ross Swanborough / The West Australian Ms Raftos has been a Telethon lover for as long as she can remember and experienced the true magic of Telethon first-hand when her daughter was diagnosed with Kabuki Syndrome. 'Knowing how generous and supportive everyone in this room is of sick children, that is why we haven't missed a year, the atmosphere is just incredible,' Ms Raftos said. Noreen Dickerson, Sharon Dawson, Christine Wilson and Lorraine Dickerson at the Telethon Mega Bingo 2025 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. Credit: Ross Swanborough / The West Australian While this year there was a lower age limit of 12, there was nothing stopping 97-year-old Doreen Hughes — who has attended the event since 2009 — from trying her luck. Tony Ashford was the lucky winner of a brand new GWM Haval Jolion Luxury. There is another to be won on Sunday; each vehicle is valued at nearly $30,000.
West Australian
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Telethon Mega Bingo 2025 sees 5000 people from as far as England compete for cash while helping sick kids
A full house was just the ticket as more than 5000 players packed the Perth Convention Centre hoping to win a piece of the $137,000 prize money offered in the annual Telethon Mega Bingo yesterday. Players — both experienced and novice — intently followed calls like 'legs eleven' and 'clickety-click' with dreams of spending big on a new kitchen or overseas holiday. And when first-time player Natasha Newberry shouted 'bingo' to secure $37,500 cash, a huge round of loud cheers filled the room. Ms Newbery, who has seven children and one grandchild on the way, said she couldn't wait to share the winnings with the family. 'It's like a dream come true, I came in with high spirits but I never thought it would actually happen,' she said. Players came dressed for success, some in rubber duckie onesies, others wearing floral headpieces, all adding to the vibrancy of the day. Among the enthralled crowd was 61-year-old Gary Thomas, who flew all the way from England to take part in the bingo extravaganza. Mr Thomas had been hearing about the Telethon Mega Bingo from friends who had volunteered since the very first bingo event in 2008, and said he 'had to see what it was all about'. 'I arrived in Perth last night and I leave tomorrow evening,' he said. 'I always knew I was going to come do it one day... I will be back for sure, I am having a lot of fun.' Monique Archer racked up some frequent flyer points too, jetting over from Brisbane for a quick two-day break to take part in the Mega Bingo. 'I'm from Perth originally but I've lived in Queensland for 17 years. All my best girlfriends are still here so I often come back for the event,' she said. 'I grew up watching Telethon on TV. When I go home I feel like my soul is filled having spent time with my best friends and sister and helping raise money for children in WA.' Karen Raftos — the first-ever prize winner at the very first Telethon Mega Bingo — was there with her daughter Rachel Wright and mum Helen Raftos. Ms Raftos has been a Telethon lover for as long as she can remember and experienced the true magic of Telethon first-hand when her daughter was diagnosed with Kabuki Syndrome. 'Knowing how generous and supportive everyone in this room is of sick children, that is why we haven't missed a year, the atmosphere is just incredible,' Ms Raftos said. While this year there was a lower age limit of 12, there was nothing stopping 97-year-old Doreen Hughes — who has attended the event since 2009 — from trying her luck. Tony Ashford was the lucky winner of a brand new GWM Haval Jolion Luxury. There is another to be won on Sunday; each vehicle is valued at nearly $30,000.
