08/16/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Good Intent Hose Company No. 1 of Llewellyn Announces Suspension of Online Raffle Fundraising Following State Directive
Media Contact:
Paul Kennedy, Public Information Officer
Good Intent Hose Company No. 1 of Llewellyn
570-527-1433
[email protected]
LLEWELLYN, PA — Good Intent Hose Company No. 1 of Llewellyn announces that it has been directed by a Commonwealth agency to immediately cease its weekly online raffle fundraising activities, which have been a significant source of operational funding for the organization since 2020.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, nonprofit organizations across the United States were forced to rethink traditional fundraising methods. Good Intent Hose Company adapted by introducing online raffles, which quickly became an important and successful fundraising tool.
Over the past six years, proceeds from these raffles have generated critical funding that has directly supported the company’s emergency response capabilities, facilities, equipment and community programs.
Funds raised through the online raffles have helped Good Intent Hose Company in the following key areas:
* Emergency response equipment and communications: including the purchase of three fire apparatus, structural turnout gear for firefighters, and upgrades to portable radio communications systems
* Facilities and operational infrastructure: including necessary repairs and improvements to the engine bay, buildings, and grounds
* Community programs and outreach: including support for local youth programs such as Scouts, assistance to the local animal shelter, support for youth sports organizations, and other community initiatives
The company recognizes that the success of these raffles was made possible by the continued generosity and participation of the community.
Pennsylvania’s Local Option Small Games of Chance Act was originally enacted in 1988. Although the law has been amended several times since its enactment, including significant amendments in 2012 and 2013, the organization believes that Pennsylvania’s regulatory framework has not adequately kept pace with modern technology and contemporary nonprofit fundraising practices.
As a result of the directive received from a Commonwealth agency, Good Intent Hose Company No. 1 will immediately suspend its weekly online raffles.
The organization emphasizes that it will comply with the directive while it evaluates its legal and legislative options.
“We understand that this decision will be disappointing to many of our supporters, and it is certainly disappointing to our members as well,” said Paul Kennedy, Public Information Officer for Good Intent Hose Company No. 1. “These raffles have provided an incredible resource for our organization and, ultimately, for the community we serve.”
Kennedy added, “Our responsibility is to operate within the law. At the same time, we believe Pennsylvania needs to have a conversation about how its Small Games of Chance laws apply to modern technology and modern fundraising. We intend to be part of that conversation.”
Good Intent Hose Company is currently working with legal counsel and engaging with state legislators in Schuylkill County and throughout the Commonwealth regarding potential legislative reforms to the Small Games of Chance Act.
The organization supports efforts to establish clear, common-sense rules that would allow eligible nonprofit organizations, including volunteer fire companies, to responsibly utilize modern technology for fundraising while maintaining appropriate safeguards and oversight.
“This issue extends well beyond Good Intent,” Kennedy said. “Volunteer fire companies and other nonprofit organizations throughout Pennsylvania rely on fundraising to purchase equipment, maintain facilities, train their members and continue providing essential services. As technology evolves, the laws governing nonprofit fundraising need to evolve with it.”
Despite the suspension of its online raffles, Good Intent Hose Company No. 1 will continue its other fundraising activities, including its bi-weekly bingo events and its upcoming Chinese auction this spring.
The organization extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who has supported its online raffles over the past six years.
“Every ticket purchased, every share, and every contribution has made a difference,” Kennedy said. “The equipment we have purchased, the improvements we have made, and the people and organizations we have been able to support are tangible examples of what this community has accomplished together.”
Good Intent Hose Company No. 1 will continue to provide updates through its official social media channels as additional information becomes available.
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