It is with deep disappointment that ASHGI’s Board of Directors has determined we have no choice but to cancel our planned raffle for the ASCA National Specialty this year in Greeley, Colorado. We know we shall disappoint our many supporters who have made this even such a wonderful success over the years and we owe you an explanation about why this had to be done. Last year’s ASCA Nationals we were in California where we are incorporated. What we did not know was that California requires that all raffle money raised in California be spent in California. As always, we disbursed the portion of the proceeds for cancer to sponsor grants through Morris Animal Foundation in Colorado and the Canine Health Foundation in North Carolina shortly after the event. (Epilepsy money was being held pending the next grant and what we took in last year will have to go to a California entity.) The State of California recently sent us a firmly worded letter essentially telling us they would let it go this time but putting us on notice that in future we need to be fully compliant. During legal consultation we were made aware that our actions will be under scrutiny for the foreseeable future and we must be extra diligent to comply not only with our local raffle laws, but those of other states as well. After a review of Colorado laws regarding raffles it became apparent that ASHGI does not meet Colorado’s requirements for holding charity raffles. We are terribly sorry this has happened. The raffle is the highlight of our year and we know it has become a feature that people look forward to at Nationals. We are extremely sorry to disappoint you. With success comes increased legal responsibility and increased governmental scrutiny. This is a setback, but ASHGI will pick up and carry on. We thank our supporters for your past and continuing dedication to ASHGI and its mission. We will be present to offer educational materials and talk to people, we will take care of the clinic, but we cannot solicit donations or do any fundraising at Nationals.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Jul 2013 12:54:50 +0000
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