Move over, Turkey Tripler; there is a new scratch-off lottery ticket in town.
On Nov. 16, the Quality of Life ( QOL ) Red Ribbon Cash ticket was unveiled at the Garfield Park Conservatory to an impressive crowd of politicians, advocates and community activists. The lottery ticket will become available starting in early February 2008. On hand were bill sponsors State Sen. Jacqueline Y. Collins, State Rep. Constance A. 'Connie' Howard, State Rep. Greg Harris and State Rep. Karen Yarbrough.
The idea came about from a Chicago Black Gay Men's Caucus meeting and spearheaded by Marc Loveless, Benny M. Montgomery, Jr., and Michael O' Connor. Despite a amendatory veto by Gov. Rod Blagojevich, the Quality of Life measure ( SB 774 ) recently received the necessary state votes from both houses to become law.
The QOL lottery ticket, which is played by scratching off red ribbons, is the first of its kind in the United States. Fifty percent of funds will be awarded to agencies or organizations with an annual budget of $300,000 or less, explained Montgomery.
The event, organized by the office of Congressman Danny K. Davis, was a celebration of the commitment and dedication of the men and woman who lobbied for the bill in Springfield.