Atlanta Seniors Shine at DPW’s Bingo de Blanc: All-White Affair

On Friday, August 21, the City of Atlanta’s Department of Public Works (DPW), in partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), hosted its Bingo de Blanc: All-White Affair in recognition of National Senior Citizens Day.

Held at the C.T. Martin Natatorium and Recreation Center, this festive celebration welcomed more than 230 seniors across the city. Dressed in their finest white attire, attendees enjoyed an elegant afternoon of bingo, music, entertainment, lunch, and connections to City programs and resources.

Celebrating Atlanta’s Older Adults

The event honored Atlanta’s seniors with an uplifting mix of activities and opportunities to engage directly with City departments offering programs and resources designed to support older residents.

Bingo de Blanc served as both a festive gathering and an intentional opportunity for seniors to learn about City services that help them remain connected, active, and supported. The event also emphasized the importance of recognizing and uplifting older adults who continue to shape community life across Atlanta.

Among the day’s special guests were 15 members of the Atlanta-based CommUNITY ATL Choir, who brought uplifting energy and strong hometown spirit to the celebration just days after appearing in the live quarterfinals of NBC’s America’s Got Talent on Tuesday, August 18.

The Inspiration Behind the Event

DPW’s support of weekly Senior Bingo at the C.T. Martin Recreation Center sparked the idea of creating a larger celebration for National Senior Citizens Day, bringing together seniors from across the city for a shared moment of joy and connection.

The event grew from DPR’s weekly bingo program, led by Douglas “Coach Doug” Smith, Community Facility Manager at C.T. Martin. The weekly gathering regularly attracts nearly 100 seniors and has become a beloved space for fellowship and encouragement.

Council Member Andrea Boone, who represents the district that includes the C.T. Martin Recreation Center, graciously provided support and contributed some of the food served during the celebration. DPW volunteers served lunch directly to the seniors, allowing them to remain comfortably seated throughout the elegant afternoon. She also presented Douglas “Coach Doug” Smith with a proclamation and thanked him for his unwavering dedication to the community’s senior population.

Advancing the One Atlanta Agenda

Beyond the entertainment, the event served an important practical purpose. Seniors met with representatives from multiple City departments and learned about programs and services offered to senior adults.

By connecting seniors to vital services and strengthening community relationships, the event reflects the City’s commitment to ensuring older Atlantans have access to the resources and support that help them thrive.