Mahjong Mississippi to benefit Hope Village March 27-28

Published 4:13 pm Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Hundreds of mahjong players from throughout the United States have Meridian in their sights as the Queen City looks to host the inaugural Mahjong Mississippi Hope in Every Hand mahjong event March 27-28. The festivities will benefit Hope Village for Children.

The festivities will kick off March 27 with Mahj & Mingle, a social event with Hope Village founder and actress Sela Ward in downtown Meridian at Hallie Ward Interiors and Jeans Restaurant, said Rhonda Alexander Poole, a longtime Hope Village volunteer and one of the event organizers.

“If you just want to come to that event, you can buy a ticket and just show up for that event that has nothing to do with the mahjong,” she said. “You don’t have to be a part of playing.”

The social event is an opportunity to introduce people to Meridian and tell them about Hope Village, Poole said.

Founded in 2000, Hope Village for Children is a shelter for children who have been abused or abandoned. The nonprofit operates both emergency shelters and a transitional program for those who have aged out of the foster care system.

What many do not know about Hope Village, Poole said, is that the organization takes in children from all corners of the state.

Mahj & Mingle will also feature specialty cocktails and other treats as attendees enjoy the evening and unwind from the week.

“It’s really going to be a fun event,” Poole said. “And then the following day on Saturday is the tournament.”

Held at the MSU Riley Center, the mahjong tournament can accommodate up to 200 players, and organizers are expecting to sell out, Poole said. The tournament will bring together a mix of social and competitive players from all throughout the state, Baton Rouge, New Orleans and other areas.

Mahjong is growing in popularity, Poole said, with groups in Philadelphia and Meridian, as well as larger cities. It’s a game that draws people from all walks of life, she said, who are connected through their love of the game.

“We recently went to a tournament with 340 people in New Orleans, and just a welcoming community of people that have this common game, and it just builds friendships and connects you with people in all different areas,” she said.

The intention is to have Mahjong Mississippi be a recurring event, both to benefit Hope Village and educate people about what it does, as well as share the love of mahjong with others and put on an enjoyable event.

“It’s just all coming together, so we expect to sell out and have a great crowd at Mahj & Mingle, and we’ve got great sponsorship support, and our goal is just to educate more people and how they can support the kids at Hope Village,” she said.

For tickets or more information about Mahjong Mississippi, visit hopevillagems.org/mahjong-mississippi.