Last summer, we saddled up for a boot-stomping Wild West adventure. This year, the Inland Regional Center community traded cowboy hats for masquerade masks as the good times rolled at the 2026 Mardi Gras Bingorama.
On July 17, the IRC Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC) transformed the Conference Center in San Bernardino into a vibrant celebration inspired by New Orleans’ famous French Quarter. Decked out in shades of purple, green, and gold, the event brought together clients, families, staff, and community members for an evening filled with laughter, connection, and friendly competition.
A French Quarter Transformation
From the moment guests arrived, they were immersed in the festive Mardi Gras atmosphere. Colorful decorations, lively jazz music, ornate masks, and endless strands of beads set the stage for a memorable evening.
With bingo cards ready and daubers in hand, participants eagerly awaited the first numbers to be called. It didn’t take long before the first enthusiastic cry of “BINGO!” rang through the room. As the games continued, excitement built with every round as players competed for a variety of themed prizes.
Community, Connection, and Celebration
While the prizes and décor added to the fun, the true spirit of Bingorama was found in the sense of community and belonging shared throughout the evening.
“Events like this are the heart of what we do at IRC,” said Gregory Harrison, IRC Client Advocate. “Seeing our consumers smiling, cheering each other on, and simply enjoying the camaraderie of the evening is incredible. It’s a beautiful reminder of why community inclusion and creating these accessible, joyful spaces is so vital.”
We would give a special shoutout to Jalyn Hayes, IRC’s Events Developer and Outreach Specialist, for being the driving force behind making this event happen. During this busy event, she took the time to celebrate this successful event as it was happening:
“I am incredibly happy and grateful for the amazing turnout at this year’s event. It continues to be one of the most highly attended events on the CAC event calendar, which speaks to the strong support, enthusiasm, and engagement of our community.
Seeing so many clients, families, volunteers, and supporters come together reinforces the importance of creating opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate.
We’re proud to host an event that continues to grow year after year, and we sincerely appreciate everyone who helped make it such a memorable success. We’re already looking forward to next year!”
The positive energy was felt throughout the Conference Center, with participants, volunteers, and staff all embracing the Mardi Gras theme and celebrating together.
“The energy in the room was absolutely electric all night long,” said Ismeth Estrada, Consumer Technician I. “From the incredible outfits and masks to the friendly competition, everyone was fully engaged in the Mardi Gras spirit. It was so rewarding to see our Conference Center light up with that much joy.”
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Community
A heartfelt thank you goes to the Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC) for their hard work and dedication in planning this spectacular event.
We would also like to recognize our generous sponsor, In-Roads Creative Programs, Inc., whose support made it possible to offer tickets completely free of charge to attendees.
Additionally, we extend our sincere appreciation to Laura Miller, Master Trust Administrator for Inland Regional Center, for providing an informative educational presentation. Her commitment to sharing valuable knowledge and resources with the IRC community is greatly appreciated. Learn more about her work through the Master Trust of California.
This initiative was partially funded through the Language Access and Cultural Competency Program.
Looking Ahead
If you missed this year’s celebration, be sure to keep an eye on the IRC Event Calendar for upcoming community events and activities. With another successful Bingorama in the books, excitement is already building for next year’s theme.
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