Sen. LaFountain introduces bill to boost fundraising efforts for local charities and non-profits

AUGUSTA ­­— On Monday, Jan. 30, Sen. Dave LaFountain (D-Winslow) introduced LD 147, “An Act to Increase the Amount of Money Allowed to Be Raised for a Charitable Purpose by Certain Raffles,” before the Joint Standing Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs.

LD 147 would allow for more money to be raised for charitable purposes through games of chance.

“This bill serves two purposes: not asking an aging volunteer population to strain themselves by staffing multiple events and allowing these organizations to hit their fundraising goal in one event, leaving more time to focus on the needs of their communities,” said Sen. LaFountain.

LD 147 would directly benefit the people and communities served by organizations like Mid Maine Chamber of Commerce. Fundraisers such as the Festival of Trees in Waterville raises money for organizations that provide critical support for organizations that support community members.

“Local businesses receive unprecedented amounts of exposure by putting trees into these festivals, as thousands of people view them annually,” said Mid Maine Chamber of Commerce CEO Kimberly Lindlof in testimony supporting the bill. “In the case of AYCC [Alfond Youth and Community Center], it funds it after school meals program and weekend backpack program. The community good will that these events create can’t be stressed enough.”

LD 147 now faces further action in committee.