East Henderson YFC Raffle

A youth football and cheerleading league has a raffle for a FN-15 patrol rifle to raise money for kids and the usual suspects have a hissy fit. Just down the road from me in East Flat Rock, North Carolina, the East Henderson Youth Football and Cheerleading League is holding just such a raffle. It goes to support equipment and fees for kids ages 5 to 12 who cannot afford it.

The winner must be 21 years old and pass a FBI NICS check as you might well expect.

The story first hit local WLOS a few days ago and now has gone national to Fox News.

In response to anonymous criticism, the league released this on their Facebook page according to WLOS.

In response to complaints made both publicly and “anonymously” regarding our raffle:

1) We’re currently taking applications for an official Fund Raiser. If you have a sure way to raise enough money quickly to get us through the rest of the season and still have enough to start up next season, we need you to use that energy in a positive way.

2) We’re ALWAYS accepting donations. This organization doesn’t run on air and water. We’re not “affiliated” with Henderson County Public Schools nor are we sponsored by Henderson County in ANY way. The referees aren’t volunteers, the LEO and first responders for the children’s safety aren’t volunteers, the use of the field, stadium, and facilities are not free, the lost uniforms, mouthpieces, chin straps, ear pads, bows, and socks are not free, equipment is not free, the insurance is not free, and all the other fees the league must pay are not imaginary.

3) If we’re not raising enough money, we’re forced to raise fees.

A spokesperson for the EHYFCL told Fox News this:

“We aren’t offering an assault rifle. We are offering an FN 15 Patrol Carbine,” a spokesperson for EHYFCL told Fox News Digital. “This is an ArmaLite 15-style rifle, not fully automatic, which by definition excludes it from being classified as an assault rifle. We are following all ATF guidelines. The item is being held at an FFL, the recipient must complete an ATF form 4473 and pass an NICS background check before taking possession of it.”

I love how they have called out the naysayers. I plan to buy tickets and I would urge my readers to do so as well.