Marsh closure could hurt nonprofits

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Commentary by Jason Randlett

The Carmel Lions Club has hosted a Fish Fry for 79 years. It is an annual staple in the Carmel community. This year the Lions Club is facing a new hurdle, one that many other Carmel organizations are going to run into.

Every year the Lions Club holds a raffle in conjunction with their fish fry. The Carmel Lions Club had a relationship, going back many years, with O’Malia and Marsh where they were able to sell raffle tickets in front of stores. With the closing of O’Malia and Marsh, the Lions Club has lost a major outlet for ticket sales.

The Lions have approached a number of different Carmel businesses, but unfortunately they are unwilling to allow organizations to fundraise on their property. If this pattern continues, organizations like the Lions Club, The Boy Scouts, The Girl Scouts, Carmel High School band and many other Carmel not-for-profit organizations will not have a location to be able to raise much needed funds for their operations or charities.

This is something that the citizens of Carmel need to think about. Sure, you flinch when you see the table set up and the cute kids or someone with an apron smiling at you, because you know what is coming next. But does it really hurt you? They don’t stop you from walking by, rather they make you aware that they are raising funds for their cause. You are welcome to donate or not. And who has not bought a raffle ticket from a neighbor they recognize, or a bucket of carmel popcorn, or another box of cookies? With the closing of Omalia and Marsh and the resistance of other stores to allow these organizations to fund raise, what are those clubs going to do in the future?

For the Carmel Lions Club to be able to continue its current level of service, its members are asking the Carmel community for assistance by spreading the word about the fish fry and raffle. Raffle tickets are $1 each or six for $5, and we are giving away four $100 gift cards.

Proceeds from this event go to many charities, including eyeglasses for low income Carmel residents, Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, The Dictionary Project, eyeglass recycling, The Trinity Free Clinic and many, many others.

Carmel Lions Club Fish Fry

When: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18 and 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 19

Where: Lions clubhouse, 141 E. Main Street (parking in back)

More info: Contact Tom Lorson at 317-590-5418 or [email protected].


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