Annual raffle to benefit police
Two businesses are joining forces to show appreciation for area police and benefit police officers across the country.
Curtis Industries of Kittanning and Fenelton Firearms of Fenelton are holding the second annual Police Officer Raffle on Friday.
John Curtis, owner of Curtis Industries, said he came up with the idea for the raffle a couple years ago while he and his wife were watching a news program in which people and politicians were criticizing police officers.
“People were saying bad things about police and people were jumping to conclusions about them, and politicians were saying bad things too. It seems like they get a lot of disrespect. They need something good said about them.
“Their job is not routine and when they go to work they have no idea what the day will bring,” Curtis said.
The raffle, which is open only to active duty police officers, started last year with businesses and people donating 10 prizes, he said.
This year 21 prizes, ranging from a fishing trip to Lake Erie to firearms and shooting accessories, have been donated and some businesses have already pledged donations for next year's raffle, he said.
“It seems to be growing and that's what we want it to do,” Curtis said.
Because police aren't allowed to accept gifts, officers can buy tickets for $1 each at Fenelton Firearms. Officers must present their law enforcement credentials to buy tickets and claim prizes.
Anybody can buy a raffle T-shirt that features the American flag with a blue line and says “Support, Appreciate and Respect” and “We Thank You for Your Service.” The sponsors are listed on the back.
The shirts can be purchased for $10 at Curtis Industries or Fenelton Firearms.
All the money from the ticket and shirt sales will be donated to the Police Benevolent Foundation's Fallen Officers Funds, Curtis said.
“No profits are made in this at all,” he said.
Butler County Sheriff Mike Slupe and Armstrong County Sheriff Bill Rupert will draw the winning raffle tickets at Fenelton Firearms at 1 p.m. Friday.
