Legality Issues

Hi all.  We are
struggling with the legalities of our ride.  In the state of Iowa, a Poker Run
is considered gambling and a license is required.  Also, in the state of Iowa, a
raffle drawing is considered gambling and a license is required.  In order to
obtain this licensing, the organization needs to be a non-profit organization,
or have sponsorship from a non-profit organization.  Obviously we a...re not a non-profit, and are having a very hard time
finding sponsorship for our event. 
When we first set out to do this
benefit for my very dear friend Tori and her daughter, we were not aware of
this.  All we are doing is trying to raise money to benefit a family in need. 
We find ourselves in a very bad position now.  We cannot find sponsorship for
our event, so we will need to do away with the raffle as well as the “poker run”
part of our trail riding event.  We are still going to have a benefit trail
ride, but on a donation only basis.  Please, by all means, come and join us for
the ride.  We do have door prizes, which everyone will get a ticket for, just
for showing up!
Some of you have already sent in money for the raffle.  I
will be sending everyone their money back today.
It saddens me that we are
not able to provide a poker run, but still hope to see you all there to support
this amazing little girl and her family.  I will be making changes to the
website very soon as well.  In the mean time, please keep Whitney and her family
in your prayers.  God bless all of you!