The Ironton American Legion Charitable Gambling
MN Charitable Gambling Lic.# 00148
Why Support your Local American Legion?
Who decides how the donations are spent?
In the Fiscal year (July 1st, 2020-June 30th, 2021), The Ironton American Legion had donated in excess of $52,000!
Some of our donations include:
Veterans & Veteran Programs: $24,972.35
Children & Youth Programs: $10,492.03
Local Food Shelves: $4,246
Scholarships: $2,500 ($3,500 Awarded)*
Emergency Assistance: $8,714.20
(*We also awarded an additional $24,000 in scholarships with non-gambling funds)
Charitable Gambling is a way for community members to help
support local non-profit groups while having fun and even winning large prizes!
At the Ironton American Legion, we support many local and regional non-profits
with the money we receive from our Charitable Gambling. These include, but
are certainly not limited to:
Area Veterans
Veteran Programs
Local Boy & Girl Scouts
Cuyuna Range Food Shelf
Youth Activities
Scholarships
Local Families in Need
Toys for Kids
Hat & Mitten Trees
Holiday Parties for Kids
C-I Sportsboosters
Crosby & Ironton Fire Depts.
and many more!
All Licensed Charitable Gambling Organizations in Minnesota
follow a strict set of guidelines set forth by the MN Department of Revenue and
the MN Gambling Control Board.
How we collect, control and spend the money received, as well as how games are
conducted are thoroughly regulated by these two State agencies.
Each Organization has a Primary Mission Statement which dictates how operations
are conducted. As an American Legion, we are a 501(c)19, Veterans Service
Organization.
With the exception of true "Bingo Halls" (which only conduct Bingo), all Charitable Gambling Organizations must spend a minimum of 30% of all Gross Receipts on "Lawful Purpose Expenses", primarily donations. In addition to this expenditure, there are several "Allowable Expenses", which include operation cost, purchase of games and equipment, taxes (Yes, even as a non-profit, we still pay taxes!)
Why Support your Local American Legion?
The American Legion is unique when compared to Non-Veteran Organization. Our Mission Statement is "...committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans."
As you can see, not only do we support our Veterans, but work a great deal with the Community, especially with Youth. I am sure you have heard the saying 'Our Children are our Future'. We strongly believe in this, so much in fact, that Youth is one of the Four Pillars of the American Legion.
We also help those in need of money, equipment or services. We support organizations that work with people that have disabilities, medical needs and that help individuals or families that have suffered hardship or loss. We also directly donate to individuals and families in the local area that need assistance.
Who decides how the donations are spent?
Each month, the American Legion Post 443 has a meeting open to all members of our organization. Among all other business is the Gambling Manager's/Committees' report and Donation Requests.
Once the report is completed and accepted, the members are given a list of each group or individual that has requested a donation. Explanation is given for each request when needed, then a vote is taken on which requests are approved and what amount.
We primarily focus on the most Local request and Veteran Request first. If there is additional money available to spend, we will often approve larger national groups.
Each request must be approved by a vote. All eligible members attending the meeting have a voice and a vote. When there is a concern by an individual member, we try to take the time to listen so we are sure everyone understands what we are voting on and where the money is being spent.
We are often asked what we can and can't spend money received through Charitable Gambling Funds.
There are strict regulations, as mentioned above, which limit us to certain
expenditures. Some of the things we can not do with these funds include
putting money from the Gambling Funds to General Funds. This means none of
the money collected through Gambling is allowed to be used to "pad" our business
accounts. If the bar had a bad month, we can't take money from Gambling to make
up for the loss.
We also can't pay wages to general staff, pay Non-Gambling bills (like the TV
bill) or make purchases that aren't directly related to Gambling. If it
isn't related to Gambling or a approved donation, it can't be spent--it's that
simple!
The Myrin-James American Legion conducts Charitable Gambling at the American Legion in Ironton as well as The Town Tavern in Ironton.
Games available include Pull-tabs, Electronic Pull Tabs, Electronic Bingo as well as Meat Raffles and Bingo.
The Meat Raffle Schedule is:
Ironton American Legion
Tuesdays & Fridays at 5:30 PM
The Town Tavern
Thursdays at 5:00 PM (Double the Meat)
Saturdays & Sundays at 2:00 PM
Bingo Schedule:
Ironton American Legion
Thursday at 6:30 PM - Guaranteed $250 Jackpot & $443 Limited Ball Count!
By supporting our Charitable Gambling, you are in turn supporting your own community!
All Games,
prizes, times and rules subject to change without notice on website.
Please see House Rules and Game Description at each location.
Ironton American Legion Post 443
MN Charitable Gamb. Lic #00148-002
Town Tavern
MN Charitable Gamb. Lic #00148-003
Problem Gambling Helpline:
1-800-333-HOPE