Llewellyn Wildland Crew

08/16/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Good Intent Hose Company No. 1 of Llewellyn Announces Suspension of Online Raffle Fundraising Following State Directive

Media Contact:
Paul Kennedy, Public Information Officer
Good Intent Hose Company No. 1 of Llewellyn
570-527-1433
[email protected]

LLEWELLYN, PA — Good Intent Hose Company No. 1 of Llewellyn announces that it has been directed by a Commonwealth agency to immediately cease its weekly online raffle fundraising activities, which have been a significant source of operational funding for the organization since 2020.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nonprofit organizations across the United States were forced to rethink traditional fundraising methods. Good Intent Hose Company adapted by introducing online raffles, which quickly became an important and successful fundraising tool.

Over the past six years, proceeds from these raffles have generated critical funding that has directly supported the company’s emergency response capabilities, facilities, equipment and community programs.

Funds raised through the online raffles have helped Good Intent Hose Company in the following key areas:

* Emergency response equipment and communications: including the purchase of three fire apparatus, structural turnout gear for firefighters, and upgrades to portable radio communications systems
* Facilities and operational infrastructure: including necessary repairs and improvements to the engine bay, buildings, and grounds
* Community programs and outreach: including support for local youth programs such as Scouts, assistance to the local animal shelter, support for youth sports organizations, and other community initiatives

The company recognizes that the success of these raffles was made possible by the continued generosity and participation of the community.

Pennsylvania’s Local Option Small Games of Chance Act was originally enacted in 1988. Although the law has been amended several times since its enactment, including significant amendments in 2012 and 2013, the organization believes that Pennsylvania’s regulatory framework has not adequately kept pace with modern technology and contemporary nonprofit fundraising practices.

As a result of the directive received from a Commonwealth agency, Good Intent Hose Company No. 1 will immediately suspend its weekly online raffles.

The organization emphasizes that it will comply with the directive while it evaluates its legal and legislative options.

“We understand that this decision will be disappointing to many of our supporters, and it is certainly disappointing to our members as well,” said Paul Kennedy, Public Information Officer for Good Intent Hose Company No. 1. “These raffles have provided an incredible resource for our organization and, ultimately, for the community we serve.”

Kennedy added, “Our responsibility is to operate within the law. At the same time, we believe Pennsylvania needs to have a conversation about how its Small Games of Chance laws apply to modern technology and modern fundraising. We intend to be part of that conversation.”

Good Intent Hose Company is currently working with legal counsel and engaging with state legislators in Schuylkill County and throughout the Commonwealth regarding potential legislative reforms to the Small Games of Chance Act.

The organization supports efforts to establish clear, common-sense rules that would allow eligible nonprofit organizations, including volunteer fire companies, to responsibly utilize modern technology for fundraising while maintaining appropriate safeguards and oversight.

“This issue extends well beyond Good Intent,” Kennedy said. “Volunteer fire companies and other nonprofit organizations throughout Pennsylvania rely on fundraising to purchase equipment, maintain facilities, train their members and continue providing essential services. As technology evolves, the laws governing nonprofit fundraising need to evolve with it.”

Despite the suspension of its online raffles, Good Intent Hose Company No. 1 will continue its other fundraising activities, including its bi-weekly bingo events and its upcoming Chinese auction this spring.

The organization extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who has supported its online raffles over the past six years.

“Every ticket purchased, every share, and every contribution has made a difference,” Kennedy said. “The equipment we have purchased, the improvements we have made, and the people and organizations we have been able to support are tangible examples of what this community has accomplished together.”

Good Intent Hose Company No. 1 will continue to provide updates through its official social media channels as additional information becomes available.

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08/15/2026

Friends,

We want to take a few minutes to explain something that is going to be disappointing to many of you—and quite honestly, is disappointing and devastating to the members of Good Intent Hose Company No. 1 of Llewellyn.

Back in 2020, COVID-19 changed the way nonprofits across America raised money. Like so many other organizations, Good Intent had to adapt. Virtual meetings, drive-through fundraisers, online raffles and other creative ideas suddenly became the new normal.

Nearly six years later, one of those adaptations has become an incredibly important part of how we fund our mission.

Our online raffles.

Unlike many traditional fundraisers, our online raffles have allowed a relatively small number of volunteers to generate a significant return for our fire company. That means more of our members can spend their time doing what they joined this organization to do—serving our community.

And what you have helped us accomplish over these past six years is incredible.

Because of your support, we have been able to:

🚒 Purchase three pieces of fire apparatus—used, but new to us and well cared for
🧑‍🚒 Purchase structural turnout gear
📻 Expand our portable radio capabilities
🏠 Make much-needed repairs and improvements to our engine bay, buildings and grounds
⛺ Send local Scouts to camp
🐾 Support our local animal shelter
🏆 Help support local youth sports
❤️ And contribute to countless other community needs

Every raffle ticket purchased helped us continue to build a stronger organization and provide better service to the residents and visitors of Branch Township and beyond.

Unfortunately, we have now been directed by a Commonwealth agency to immediately cease our weekly online raffles.

Why?

Pennsylvania’s Local Option Small Games of Chance Act dates back to 1988. It has certainly been amended since then, including significant amendments in 2012 and 2013, but the framework of the law was created in a very different technological era.

The world of fundraising has changed dramatically since 1988.

The internet has changed.

Technology has changed.

The way people communicate, purchase things and participate in fundraising has changed.

Unfortunately, the law has not fully kept pace with those changes.

We want to be very clear about something:

We will comply with the directive we have received.

As stewards of this community, we have an obligation to operate within the law, regardless of how much we may disagree with the circumstances that brought us here.

But complying does not mean giving up.

Our officers and members are working with legal counsel to determine what options are available to us. We are also working with our elected representatives here in Schuylkill County and across Pennsylvania to support common-sense legislative changes that would bring Pennsylvania’s fundraising laws into the 21st century.

And this isn’t just about Good Intent.

Volunteer fire companies and other eligible nonprofits across Pennsylvania depend on fundraising to purchase equipment, maintain facilities, train their people and continue providing the services their communities depend upon.

We believe there is a way to modernize the law while maintaining the safeguards that are necessary to protect the public.

We simply need the law to recognize the technology of today.

We know many of you are going to be disappointed. Trust us when we tell you—we are too.

But this isn’t the end.

We will continue fighting for Good Intent, for our members, for our community and for the many nonprofit organizations across Pennsylvania facing similar challenges.

Please continue to follow our social media pages. We will keep you updated as this situation develops.

And in the meantime, don’t forget:

Bingo is still every other Sunday! 😉

And we are already looking forward to seeing all of you at our Chinese Auction this spring.

Thank you.

Thank you for every raffle ticket.

Thank you for every share.

Thank you for every donation.

And most importantly, thank you for believing in Good Intent Hose Company No. 1 of Llewellyn.

We couldn’t do this without you. 🚒❤️💙

07/04/2026

ENOUGH.

In the last 10 days, Pennsylvania has experienced:

🚨 5 roadway responder incidents

🚑 At least 8 emergency responders transported by EMS

🚗 Several motorists also injured

🖤 1 responder killed

Trooper Michael E. Pahira, Jr.

A medic crew struck while transporting a critically injured patient.

A fire police officer struck—for the second time in his career.

A firefighter thrown over a guardrail.

Two Philadelphia police officers struck.

Different roads.

Different uniforms.

Same truth.

These were preventable crashes.

When you see flashing lights—

📵 Put the phone down.

➡️ Move Over.

⬇️ Slow Down.

The people working on the roadside aren't obstacles.

They're someone's husband.

Someone's wife.

Someone's mom.

Someone's dad.

Someone's child.

Every responder deserves to finish the shift they started.

Every family deserves to see them come home.

Stop picking the flowers. Start watering the roots. Protect the people who protect the road.

Learn more at www.timheroes.org

06/30/2026

June 30 is a solemn day of remembrance in the wildland fire community.

On the afternoon of June 30, 2013, 19 members of the Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshots were killed when the Yarnell Hill Fire rapidly intensified, trapping the crew in what became one of the deadliest wildland firefighting tragedies in modern American history.

Today, take a moment to remember Superintendent Eric and the 18 members of his crew. Their courage, commitment, and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

May we honor their memory by supporting those who continue to stand on the fireline, protecting our communities and our natural resources.

Never Forgotten.

Their sacrifice continues to shape wildland firefighting, leadership, and
firefighter safety across the country.

05/04/2026

The Good Intent and the Llewellyn Wildand Crew is honored to show our support for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Light the Night.

Our station has been lit in red all week in support of the families of the fallen.

Today, we pause to remember our friend and colleague David Warfel from DCNR who passed in the line of duty last year and was memorialized In Emmitsburg today at the annual fallen firefighters memorial service.

We miss you Dave. You impacted so many of our lives and you will not be soon forgotten.

~Supe

04/19/2026

🍼NEW RECRUIT ALERT🍼

Today, Crew Member Michael Thomas Matukewicz and his beautiful wife Kayla were able to bring home from the LVH NICU their new addition, Delilah Mae, born April 7th.

Mom and baby are doing just fine now and looking forward to settling in at home surrounded by their loving family.

Congratulations Kayla and Mike!

~ Supe

04/11/2026

We may get a sprinkle of rain overnight - but that shouldn’t be the cue to light off that brush pile this weekend.

Heads up, Pennsylvania: Warm, dry conditions are raising wildfire risks.

Please avoid brush burning and outdoor fires for now. If you absolutely must burn, use extreme caution and never leave a fire unattended. Be Safe, PA!