A bingo fundraiser hosted by the Gabbs Community Library on Saturday, Oct. 24, raised more than $700 to help Derrick Chiaratti and his family as he continues recovering from injuries sustained in a June traffic accident.
In late June, Chiaratti and his daughter were involved in a collision with a semitruck hauling a wide load while traveling from Fallon to Middlegate. Chiaratti suffered serious injuries that required multiple medical procedures and several months of hospitalization. He has since returned to his home in Middlegate, where he previously worked as one of the main cooks at Middlegate Station.
Chiaratti grew up in Gabbs and graduated from Gabbs High School, where his mother, Georgene Chiaratti, continues to work.
Connie Stinson, who manages the Gabbs Community Library, organized the fundraiser with help from Charity Brown, a former PTO president with experience organizing merchant bingo events. The two contacted businesses and community members in Gabbs and Fallon for prize donations.
Organizers were uncertain how many people would attend, so they prepared the library to accommodate approximately 50 guests. The fundraiser was promoted through flyers, social media, and The Fallon Post.
At least 30 people attended, including volunteers. Stinson was moved to tears by the community’s response.
The evening featured two bingo games. Stinson and Derrick’s father, Tim Chiaratti, oversaw a children’s junk food bingo game, while Charity Brown, Georgene Chiaratti, and Shania Brown led the main game.
Local businesses and individuals donated more than 50 prizes for the fundraiser.
As the evening ended, Georgene Chiaratti expressed her gratitude to those who supported her family.
“We can’t thank you all enough for tonight,” she said.
The Gabbs Community Library and the Chiaratti family thanked everyone who attended, volunteered, donated prizes, or helped promote the event. The more than $700 raised will help support Chiaratti during his recovery.
Fundraiser Contributors
The following individuals, businesses, and organizations contributed prizes or other support:
Lee Green (R & D’s Bar), Charity Brown (Scentsy and other donations), Connie Stinson, Gabbs Community Library, Leslie Green, Robert Courtney, Krystal Sprague, Rachel Dahl (RANGE Media Co.), Christina Rodarte, Middlegate Station, Lahontan Valley Veterinary Clinic, Archie Wood (Battle Born Tattoo), Frey’s Ranch, JD Fenison, Stephanie Winder (Myles of Memories), Ivoree Dummar (Nails by Ivoree), Annette and Chris Zumwalt (Sudden Impact Pistol Grips), Momma’s Meat Company, Fallon Theatre, Shania Brown Design, Lucy Carnahan, Financial Horizons Credit Union, Samantha Horning, Michelle Gabiola-Rogers, Samantha Larson, Darcie Spero (Battle Born Broncs), Ava Case, Churchill Armory, Vonda Norcutt, and 7 Sisters Co.
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