School's Gun Raffle a Big Success
By MARTHA WAGGONER
Associated Press Writer
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) A private school's raffle of five guns has been far more successful than the school expected because gun advocates from around the country responded to criticism of the event by snapping up hundreds of tickets.
The Hobgood Academy expects to clear $23,000 instead of the hoped-for $4,000, as 2,500 tickets were sold for $10 each. The proceeds will help pay for a Future Farmers of America building at the school, which is in rural Halifax, 70 miles northeast of Raleigh.
Doug Abernathy, owner of Doug's Guns in Williamston, which supplied the five guns at their $1,800 cost, said bake sales and barbecues can't even come close to raising as much money as a gun raffle in an area where hunting is very popular.
``This being a strong sporting community, any time you give anybody a chance to win a firearm, then obviously, Bubba's willing to shell out five or 10 dollars,'' said Abernathy, who has supplied guns for other raffles.
Gun control advocates have said the raffle is inappropriate and insensitive, especially because of Columbine and other school shootings.
The 306-student school, which is kindergarten through 12th grade, is raffling one shotgun or rifle every day this week. The money will help pay for the FFA building erected this summer and buy saws, machinery and other equipment, Headmaster John Hardison said.
Ticket sales exploded when Fred Bonner, a syndicated columnist and editor of a hunting, fishing and boating publication, sent information over the Internet to gun advocates and hunting friends across the country.
People from all over the United States, including Alaska, bought tickets. Some included notes of support, which the school has since thrown away, Hardison said.
``They felt like it was a worthy cause with the FFA,'' Hardison said. ``And they were supporting our right to do this.''
Hardison said the guns being raffled never were stored at the school. Abernathy will keep them until winners clear the required background checks.
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