Lower Burrell, PA, fire company having success raffling off AR-15 rifles to raise money
In a year when the covid pandemic has forced many organizations to cancel fundraising events, Lower Burrell Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 (Kinloch) has had success raffling off AR-15 semiautomatic rifles to raise money.
The departments fundraising efforts have been down about $100,000 this year, but Kinloch Chief Ted Hereda said each of the departments virtual raffles of AR-15s has netted about $1,000 with tickets typically selling out in 12 hours.
Kinloch was offering tickets or tips on the companys Facebook page on Friday, marking the fifth time it has raffled off an AR-15 in two months. Payments and the drawing are done virtually.
They are the most popular gun out there now and they sell out quickly, Hereda said. It really is good fundraising. With covid, we dont have many ways to raise funds. Raffling off guns is nothing new, said Jerry Ozog, executive director of the Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute.
Before covid-19, volunteer fire companies were raffling off all types of sportsmens equipment, including rifles, ATVs and apparel. Its a philosophical choice, Ozog said. Another department might raffle off purses and cars.
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/lower-burrell-fire-company-having-success-raffling-off-ar-15-rifles-to-raise-money/