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For Immediate Release
October 10, 2000

White Measure to Aid Volunteer Firefighters and Nonprofits sent to Governor

HARRISBURG – Volunteer firefighters and other organizations that rely on fundraising for support would benefit from legislation sponsored by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21) and approved by the Senate today.

Senate Bill 648, which was sent to Governor Ridge for his approval, would enable volunteer fire departments and other eligible organizations to raise additional funds by increasing the combined cash value of prizes that can be raffled at fundraising events.

“Our volunteer firefighters should be able to spend more time on training and less time on fundraising,” said White. 

White said she took action after being contacted by local fire departments asking for relief from the present restrictions.

Present law limits the total cash value to no more than $25,000 per raffle with a special permit.  Volunteer fire, ambulance and rescue organizations can receive three special permits each year.

The senator’s legislation would allow for an annual $100,000 total cash value of all prizes to be raffled.

“This will give charitable organizations a little fundraising flexibility.”  “It will allow them to have one large fundraiser and stay within the law,” White said.