Vance Koppenhafer, a graduate and supporter of Mancos (Col.) High School, is raising eyebrows and concerns for organizing a raffle of a firearm to benefit the school’s athletic programs.
Koppenhafer has held a gun giveaway raffle in recent years because he has kids who play for the football team. He’s drawing criticism from people who say that he might be violating both raffle and gun registration laws.
“I went to school there,” Koppenhafer told the Colorado Springs Gazette. “I have cousins that went to school there. We support the athletic program.”
A school spokesperson said that Koppenhafer organizes the raffle as a private citizen, and that the school does not sanction the drawing. The proceeds benefit the football team, but the school does not otherwise take part.
“We wouldn’t do that as a school because A, we don’t have a raffle license and B, I’m not sure that would be appropriate,” said Superintendent Brian Hanson.
Only registered nonprofit organizations that have been in existence for five or more years are eligible to apply for a raffle license in the state of Colorado.
Koppenhafer said that students are ineligible to claim the prize, and that other rules are in place. Entrants must be 21 years old and pass a background check in order to be eligible for the drawing.
According to Koppenhafer, the drawing has raised more than $1,500 in one year for the school’s athletic department.
[h/t Colorado Springs Gazette]
