Comments on: County Board to Eliminate Admin Briefings

By: Rod Johnson

Rod Johnson — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 16:45:15 +0000

I don’t know, once you get into a gift basket or two you start craving more. It’s heady stuff.

By: Vivienne Armentrout

Vivienne Armentrout — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 22:26:39 +0000

Sorry, somehow I ended up with the impression that the United Way was going to start having Bingo events. Gift basket raffles at high-society fundraisers definitely not in the same category.

By: Leah Gunn

Leah Gunn — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 19:53:58 +0000

This is not for “gambling” – it for a one-time raffle of gift baskets at the United Way’s Fundraiser called “Power of the Purse”. Some local government must approve such a license (it would be the same for bingo or a “Monte Carlo” event) and the United Way asked the county. Needless to say, the proceeds benefit the United Way allocations to local non-profits. Hardly addictive.

By: Vivienne Armentrout

Vivienne Armentrout — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 01:01:50 +0000

Since gambling is addictive, its social effect is not quite the same as a charity ball.

But I agree, not coerced. I hope that it does bring enjoyment. I haven’t ever participated, so what do I know?

By: jcp2

jcp2 — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 21:14:11 +0000

The program is not “taking” money from anybody. Participation is not coerced. For some, bingo is a social pleasure. Trading social pleasures for monetary support is something that non-profits do all the time in the form of dinners, concerts, balls, and other events. The St. Joseph holiday ball comes to mind.

By: Vivienne Armentrout

Vivienne Armentrout — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 20:53:06 +0000

Aside from the county’s involvement, isn’t it odd that United Way is resorting to bingo gambling to support its objectives? It did rely on individual donations and this is a major change in tone.

And this money is going to the Coordinated Campaign, right? So our efforts to assist nonprofits and human services are being funded through a program that will probably take money from those least able to afford it.

(No, I don’t like lotteries either.)

By: Alan Goldsmith

Alan Goldsmith — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 19:28:22 +0000

“When Smith asked why the county board was being approached instead, McDaniel said it’s because she and Sandy Rupp, executive director of the local United Way, are “buddies.””

I’m glad you get perks if you have a buddy in County Goverment.