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Rotary nixes hosting games at LibDay fest
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Posted on Jun 13 2012
By Clarissa V. David
Reporter
Reporter
The Rotary Club of Saipan yesterday agreed to decline the invitation to organize the gambling activities at the 2012 Liberation Day festivities.
About 30 Rotarians agreed with the decision, citing many reasons, including Rotary’s own statutes and its upcoming fundraising event, the Las Vegas Night.
Club Service director Jay Santos had been contacted by the Lt. Governor’s Office, requesting the Rotary to organize the gambling activities for this year’s Liberation Day celebration, which starts on June 28 and concludes on July 4.
“We will organize all the gambling games and split the proceeds with the Mayor’s Office,” Santos told fellow Rotarians.
Santos noted that the request sought was for expertise and equipment for gambling activities such as roulette and blackjack and not for financial commitment.
Rotarians David Igitol and David Sablan both pointed out that Rotary bylaws do not allow the organization to raise funds and split proceeds with government or private entities. Rotarian Alex Sablan also noted that Rotary’s exemption only allows the group to conduct one fundraising event per quarter.
Foundation Service director Kim Forrester noted that the request was made at a time when Rotary is busy preparing for its largest annual fundraiser, Las Vegas Night, slated for July 14 at the Saipan World Resort.
