Gaming: Snow Classic/ Broadcasting/ Internet

House Bill 245 would allow Four Valleys Community School, Inc. to conduct a "snow classic" to raise funds for their organization. The snow classic would be operated much like other contests already allowed under statute: contestants would buy a ticket and write a guess of the depth of snow accumulated by a specific date and time on Mount Alyeska. The winner would receive half of the net proceeds from the fundraiser.

Four Valleys Community School, Inc. (FVCS) is a nonprofit organization that annually offers more than 250 year-round classes and sponsors community events. While most of the participants are Turnagain Arm area residents, people from neighboring communities such as Anchorage, Eagle River, and Homer have participated in FVCS events. FVCS also supports athletes and local high school graduates with scholarships.

When community school funding from the Anchorage School District was eliminated, local residents helped FVCS become a 501c(3) nonprofit to ensure that lifelong learning and recreational opportunities remain available to the community. FVCS recruited volunteers to administer and teach, secured corporate and private donations, and fostered community involvement. Operating the snow classic will help achieve the short-term goal of self-sufficiency while keeping classes affordable and locally available. It also will support a long-term goal of creating a stable fundraising opportunity that will enhance the entire community.