Editorial: Supporting a good cause continues to become more complicated

Most people want to give back to a good cause.

Fundraisers have been a strong establishment for the basis of raising money to support organizations and groups for several years. From Brunswick stew sales to support Juan Mickel-Jones in New Kent to dinner sales for the #keepfightingChip campaign, the intentions are pure at heart and people come from miles away just to support it.

But unfortunately, the days of fundraising are becoming more complicated than helpful. Online campaigns have popped up on a plethora of websites and it’s difficult to determine which ones are legit and which ones are fake. However, one of the biggest complications that fundraisers will face as of July 1 are more regulations on what can and cannot be done.

For those who haven’t heard, July 1 will probably make fundraisers a lot more difficult, especially when it comes to serving food. In other localities and states, restrictions of selling lemonade and bottles of water have gotten ridiculous as permits are required by some places to do so. Unfortunately, the state of Virginia is trending to the same thing.

The first example are car washes. What use to be a go-to event that could rack in nearly $1,500 to $2,000 for an organization now will have some issues to overcome. A bill that kicks into effect July 1 still allows charitable car washes to take place but requires biodegradable soap to be used. The bill was introduced because of concern of chemicals used and when it kicks into effect on July 1, it prohibits a locality from banning car washes if they only use biodegradable, phosphate-free, water-based cleaners. Yes, your friendly neighborhood car wash now has to have specified cleaning products or else the local government can shut it down.

Another new law that goes into effect involves handling of food. I cannot remember what site I read it on (as I tend to browse a lot of reputable sites), but a law will kick into place where a certified food handler/supervisor must be on site if certain meat is cooked. (I can’t remember the proper title of the position). This means food such as hamburgers and cheeseburgers must have someone on staff who fills that position. I believe this was issued by the Virginia Department of Health as a safety measure. So, if you’re planning to cook hamburgers and cheeseburgers, you have to have that position filled. (I believe VDOH is offering a class to become certified to hold that position, but it will run around $150). I will have to relocate the article and will provide an update later.

But as you can see, it’s not as easy as it used to be to host a fundraiser. From new laws to permits to organization, it seems like it will cost more to initiate it before you make some back. It is heartbreaking that society has come to a point where we must micromanage items that weren’t concerns in the past. However, as we become more knowledgeable (to an extent), safety and structure have taken priority over how we conduct ways to raise money for others.

So, the next time you’re at an event or pay for a meal that you know that will benefit someone and a good cause, remember that an extra dollar bill or two will literally begin to make a difference in that charity you’re donating to.