Parents and community members are concerned after a couple of Onslow County youth sports associations announced they are raffling off AR-15 rifles in upcoming fundraisers.
The Swansboro Soccer Association (SSA) is working to raise funds to upgrade its clubhouse, and in doing so, has decided to hold a raffle. Tickets are $20 each and the drawing will be held on Oct. 20 where a Solbello Beach Shade, Yeti Hardshell Cooler and Smith and Wesson M&P15 Sport Rifle will be raffled off to the lucky winners.
Cecilia Rogers, a Swansboro High School teacher and parent of an SSA soccer player, emailed SSA President Jason Dewald about her concerns before emailing The Daily News a copy of that correspondence.
“First and foremost, using a firearm as a prize for a soccer club’s fundraising event sends a conflicting message about the values and principles your organization stands for,” said Rogers in her email to Dewald. “Soccer is a sport that promotes teamwork, inclusivity and fair play. Associating it with a weapon, especially one that has been the subject of significant controversy and debate, is not only tone-deaf, but also potentially alienating to a large portion of your supporter base.”
Rogers went on to say that AR-15 rifles are designed for military-style use and are capable of inflicting serious harm. By offering one as a prize, she said they are “essentially incentivizing the possession of a potentially dangerous firearm, with potentially devastating consequences if it falls into the wrong hands.”
Rogers concluded her email by urging the SSA to reconsider their decision and choose an alternative prize that is more “in-line with the spirit of soccer and inspires participation and camaraderie.”
In response to Rogers, Dewald said SSA takes great pride in providing a safe, fun environment for kids to develop their skills and a love for soccer. These efforts require successful fundraising, he added; therefore, they decided on the AR-15 as a prize based on its appeal to the area’s military community, which makes up a large portion of their supporter base.
He said the integrity and reputation of SSA is ensured by its unwavering dedication to develop players, cultivate a climate that is optimal for player development and where players can explore and be creative without fear of making mistakes.
“We certainly understand your safety concern of a potentially dangerous firearm falling into the wrong hands,” Dewald said in his response. “However, the laws still apply for the winner to pass a background check on the state and federal levels and be of age prior to receiving the prize. This process will be handled by the same company who is donating the firearm to our raffle winner, Stumpie’s Gun Shop in Swansboro.”
Dewald concluded his email by saying he respects Rogers’ concerns as a parent and teacher and appreciates her dedication to SSA, adding that if she does not wish to participate in the raffle, to please return the tickets to her child’s coach.
The Daily News sent an email to Dewald with questions about the raffle, and he responded saying the SSA board looked into various successful fundraising ideas from other local and national youth sports associations.
“After sourcing data and talking with parents and members of the Swansboro community, many of which serve our country, we followed through with the idea,” Dewald said. “While we recognize the parent’s safety concerns and its controversy, we can assure that all local and federal laws have and will be adhered to.”
Dewald echoed what he said to Rogers, explaining SSA will not take possession of the firearm at any time, as it will instead be released to the raffle winner upon all background checks having been cleared from the licensed dealer.
The funds generated will go towards a new building to house equipment used to maintain fields and to update the clubhouse building and field lights, Dewald said.
“Additionally, as a nonprofit organization, we welcome any and all ideas for future fundraisers as well as volunteers to help with these campaigns, and we are always accepting donations,” Dewald concluded.
In light of recent shooting incidents, one involving students from White Oak High School, and another at UNC Chapel Hill that claimed the life of one, concern about gun safety is at an all-time high.
However, Onslow County Sheriff Chris Thomas said that as long as these organizations follow the applicable laws governing the transfer of firearms, he doesn’t have an issue at all with them being used as a raffle item.
Jacksonville Director of Public Safety and Police Chief Mike Yaniero said similar.
“As a law enforcement officer, I advocate for responsible gun ownership to reduce firearms accidents and misuse by creating a culture of firearms safety,” Yaniero said in an email. “Whether an organization chooses to raffle off a firearm is a personal decision as long as they act within the North Carolina General Statutes.”
Swansboro High School Math Teacher and Students Against Violence Everywhere Promise Club Advisor Martha Kelley told The Daily News in an email her role as a responsible parent, teacher and advisor compels her to actively oppose the potential for a fundraiser like this one.
Kelley added as admirable as it is for SSA to put forth effort in finding various fundraising avenues, it’s disheartening and disappointing to hear that this was the option they landed on.
“The primary purpose of community sports associations is to break down social and economic barriers that a community may be facing and bring them together in a way that is positive and uplifting,” Kelley said. “It is the responsibility of the community to provide productive alternatives to negative and destructive trends in society. It is our responsibility to uplift our youth and create an environment that allows them to express their opinions respectfully and logically. SSA is no exception to this expectation.”
Kelley went on to say it is “grossly negligent and irresponsible” for a community organization to compromise its values by including anything that could hinder responsible development.
“It is disappointing to see an organization that I have supported throughout my children’s upbringing make what seems to be such a poorly thought-out decision,” Kelley concluded. “It is my hope that upon reflection, SSA will realize their responsibility and come to the understanding that this fundraiser is careless.”
Rogers also shared her thoughts with The Daily News via email, saying guns are designed for violence and destruction, and in the wrong hands, can lead to tragic consequences.
“As a teacher, I fear for that every day,” Rogers said. “While some may argue that the raffle is intended to raise funds for a good cause, and done to ‘appeal the community,’ there are countless other ways to achieve that goal without resorting to promoting firearms.”
Rogers added that not only does it send the wrong message, but it may alienate soccer fans who do not wish to support or be associated with such a promotion.
“Soccer teams have the right to raise funds for their activities, and in my opinion, they should do so in a way that upholds the values of the sport and does not promote violence or division,” Rogers concluded.
Swansboro Soccer Association is not the only youth sports organization raffling off firearms this year, though. The Southwest Stallions Youth Football Association is also raffling off a Smith and Wesson M&P, as well as a Tristar Raptor ATAC Semi-Automatic.
This raffle will be held at Southwest Youth Football’s closing ceremonies to be determined at a later date on their Facebook page.
Southwest Youth Football President Marcus Brooks said they’ve been doing this for a couple of years now, and it’s been successful. The idea came from another participant’s family member and he feels it’s a quick-selling item.
“The fact of the matter is the person who does win the raffle for the gun is definitely vetted through the company,” Brooks said. “So, if that person isn’t appropriate to get the gun or has a criminal background and they see something, something like that, they won’t get that gun.”
Brooks echoed what Dewald said, that they won’t ever touch the gun or have it in their possession. He feels confident about the decision as nothing negative has come from raffling off a firearm since they began doing it a few years ago.
He added that if his youth’s parents had an issue with it, he’d definitely hear about it.
“A gun is a serious issue, yes, it is, but at the same time, we make sure, and that gun company makes sure, that it goes in the proper hands,” Brooks said. “If those concerned parents or community members want to come help fund us and sponsor us instead of complaining – because we put out our sponsorship forms, we put out things to where people can donate – have at it.”
Brooks would also love to have others come share ideas and come out to see what Southwest Youth Football is all about.
“I understand the concern part, but there’s also a money issue of funding our youth programs to continue,” Brooks said. “I have close to 200 kids where if we’re not funded properly, there’s no programs to keep them active. This is a place where they can be themselves, learn, learn the game of football, make friends, learn social skills, there’s just so much involved in sports where kids need it in life.”
Brooks added that if raffling off a gun will help them continue their programs, then they’re going to keep doing it. He emphasized again that they went through the proper channels and even have people involved in the program who are on the police force.
All proceeds of the raffle go to the youth, Brooks said, for things such as new equipment and medical bags.
“As far as us, we don’t get paid,” Brooks said. “None of the money goes to my board, nothing like that. It’s just something to where we get the youth what they need – trophies, ceremonies, t-shirts – so much that goes behind that money that we provide for kids. We’re a low-funded program and this was a quick money-getter to where it’s a win-win for the right person.”
Reporter Morgan Starling can be reached at [email protected].
