Funds from program assist posts, charities and Ohio Vets

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Ohio Veterans and Fraternal Charitable Coalition (OVFCC) is excited to announce that its video raffle pilot project has now raised over $5 million for Ohio charities.

These funds directly benefit veterans' posts, fraternal lodges and hundreds of local 501c3 charities, with 50% going to veteran's posts and lodges and 50% going to the 501(c)(3) charities throughout the state of Ohio (click here to see the list of charities this program benefits.).  In addition, a portion of the money raised by the OVFCC goes to fund veterans' service officers who assist Ohio veterans in filing benefits claims with the Veterans Administration.  Last year these veterans' service officers returned over $50 million in federal funds to the state of Ohio.

Attorney General DeWine has asked that veterans and fraternal groups seek legislation to clarify the law regarding video forms of bingo.  The OVFCC is working to pass Charitable Video Bingo legislation, which will allow its member organizations to continue raising charitable funds to support local communities.

"Ohio's veterans and fraternal organizations urgently need the Ohio General Assembly to pass Charitable Video Bingo legislation," said OVFCC director Bill Seagraves.

The OVFCC is an unincorporated association that was established in 2003 to achieve consensus and develop policy on various issues affecting veterans and fraternal organizations in the State of Ohio. Member organizations have input regarding charitable gaming as well as legislation, rules and regulations that impact veterans and fraternal organizations.  The OVFCC is the voice of more than 2.1 million members and their families who are active in more than 1,700 posts and clubs throughout the State of Ohio. 

OVFCC President Bill Seagraves can be reached for further comment at (614) 222-1611

SOURCE Ohio Veterans and Fraternal Charitable Coalition (OVFCC)