Joymaxh@aol.com wrote:
From: Joymaxh@aol.com
Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 17:22:46 EST
Subject: American Girl Scout Council Holds Hunting Fundraiser
To: Anthony-Marr@HOPE-CARE.org

It has recently come to my attention that the Girl Scouts of Cannon Valley located in Northfield, MN, plans to hold an "Aim High for Girl Scouts Continental Shoot" at Traxler's Preserve on January 27 as a "fun" way for hunters to help raise funds for the Council. Approximately 10 ducks per person will be released for the shoot. A raffle and other games of chance are offered after the gourmet dinner included in the package.

The wholesale slaughter of innocent animals is just about the worst way for a Girl Scout Council to raise funds. In the past, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) has made statements that hunting is offensive and the organization does not advocate hunting, yet this is the second year the Cannon Valley Council has held this fund raiser. Causing blood, guts, and feathers to be strewn all over the landscape hardly meshes with the "Leave No Trace" outdoor philosophy of Girl Scouts.

I have been in touch with the national GSUSA office and the reply I received from Rae Schopp (Consultant, Council Partnerships) is as follows:

Because this is a council matter, we have referred your concern to the CEO of Cannon Valley Council. I have also referred your concern to the Fund Development Department at GSUSA for their guidance to the council.

I also emailed directly to the Cannon Valley Council, but have not received a reply. So I am now asking all Girl Scouts and anyone else who thinks killing animals for sport is something that GSUSA should NOT endorse, including the direct violation of Safety Wise guidelines regarding raffles and other types of gambling, to please contact the following with their concerns:

Rae Schopp, Consultant
Council Partnerships, Mission to Market
Girl Scouts of the USA
212-852-6596
800-223-0624 (extension 6596)
rschopp@girlscouts.org

Girl Scout Council of Cannon Valley
1025 Highway 3 North
Northfield, MN 55057
Metro: (507) 645-6603
Greater MN: 1-800-344-4757
FAX: (507) 645-6605
secretary@gsccv.org

John R. Carlander, President
The State Bank of Faribault (sponsor of the event)
428 Central Avenue
Faribault, Minnesota 55021
507-332-7401
FAX: 507-332-4600
info@tsbf.com

Thank you,
Joy Maxham
Girl Scouts of Winema Council
Advisor, Girl Scout Troop 417
Area Event Coordinator
Winema Gazette SU Newsletter Editor
Recipient of the Outstanding Volunteer, Appreciation, and Honor Pins