Dear Dennis:

Interesting that I found your website while looking to give a friend help with his teen. The first thing I see is a poker tourney. Are you aware of what a problem teen gambling has become? Would you also have a drinking tourney to raise funds?

Gambling may be legal in many areas, but it seems strange that you would not be more sensitive as to the problem it is for kids. Poker parties and tourneys are a major issue on both the high school and the college campuses. Please give this some thought. — Dennis M.

Dennis:

I am surprised at your response. First of all, the players must be adults. Also, we are not the only organization that uses the tournaments and silent auctions as a fund raiser. Many of the schools in our state and others states have the same or similar fund raisers. We have never encountered any issues on gambling problems from any of our thousands of parents who have or are currently attending our program.

To answer your concern about us possibly having a drinking tournament, which I have never even heard of, B.I.L.Y. does not allow alcohol served at any of its functions. So rest well on that issue.

I trust that in place of concentrating on our fund raiser, that you were able to find some help on our website for your friend. Thanks. — Dennis