Margie Weaver didn’t know what to expect Friday night as she stepped through the door at the American  Legion.

“We were hoping for a good turn out, and we got one,” said Weaver, as she looked around the room at more than 175 people playing bingo to raise money for an elevator at the Dawson County Senior Center.

The event raised more than $1,500 and Weaver said it will go a long way toward helping the local seniors.

“We so much need an elevator, so our seniors can take advantage of all the things we have to offer them at the center,” she said.

The American Legion agreed to donate net proceeds from Friday night’s game to the center after being approached by Kay Molden, who handles grant projects for the center.

“First and foremost they wanted to help out the seniors, but we also hoped packing the place out would bring them more return players,” Molden said.

Legion Commander Jerry Grogan said he’d love to have a full house every week.

“We’re glad you’re here. I wish we had this crowd every Friday night,” Grogan said.

Weaver said the cost for an elevator is about $40,000.

“We have about $15,000 so far and we just really started our fundraising in September. Our plan was to have the money in two years, so I think we’re doing pretty good,” she said.

The county continues to look for additional fundraising avenues for the elevator project.

A dinner-dance is set for Aug. 14 at Dawsonville city hall, as well as a benefit concert by singer-songwriter Kurt Thomas on Sept. 18.

Thomas, a Dahlonega resident, was the winner of Kenny Chesney’s Next Big Star contest in 2008 and has toured with several recording artists; such as, Brooks & Dunn, Sammy Hagar, LeAnn Rimes, Gary Alan and Sugarland in the last few years.

For more information or to donate, contact the senior center at (706) 344-3700.