ARLINGTON — “If you don’t have an ugly tie, you can buy one,” said Brian Beckley, principal of Arlington High School, as he opened the Bingo games for the Arlington “Dollars for Scholars” Foundation’s annual fundraiser in the Presidents Elementary cafetorium.

The all-ages event drew an estimated 110 attendees, about 45 more than took part last year, according to “Dollars For Scholars” Bingo Chair Wendy McClure.

“We raised $1,640, from which expenses still need to be tallied and deducted,” McClure said. “Our business sponsorships received to date are about $375, less than previous years, but we hope we’ll still receive enough in the next two weeks to meet the $2,000 mark needed to receive our matching grant.”

“Dollars for Scholars” awards scholarships to local high school graduates to help them pay for their post-secondary school dreams. If the Arlington chapter can raise $2,000, the Washington state Board of Higher Education will match it.

“For us, that’s free money,” said Sandie Cooper, president of the Arlington chapter. “Every year, with the help of our local businesses and community members, we’ve made our goal and received those matching funds.”

This year’s event theme of “Ugly Ties” was intended to help make the event fun and interesting for the whole family, according to Cheryl Boatman, secretary of the Arlington chapter. Judging from the number of kids and teens who were sitting side-by-side with their parents and other adult family members, the garish neckwear was successful in its aim.

“This is our first year here,” said Rick Schranck, who wore a necktie as a bandana and was joined by wife Joan and daughters Abigail and Jessica. “We heard it was fun.”

“I’ve been coming since it started,” Alice Demmig said. “I’ve recruited others.”

“I tied her tie,” Marlene Likkel laughed.

All proceeds will go toward scholarships for students of the Arlington School District. More information about the Arlington “Dollars for Scholars” Foundation may be found online at www.arlingtondfs.org.