On the surface the idea seems cool and interesting. I would have to agree with a range of posts here. I have shopped in stores and shops that are connected with not for profit organizations. I used to go to the WTTW store near me all the time. Many of the examples from PBS stations to Boy and Girl Scouts are good examples. I am not an expert on the issue but it would be worth the research to see what restrictions or conditions would have to exist to maintain the "Not For Profit" designation. Clearly many of these ventures from sales of Christmas Trees and Wreathes and Cookies to Posters and Prints of museum art are all sold and generate profit. However, my guess is, there is accounting and documentation that is needed that shows that the proceeds from such sales are used for operating funds etc. of the organizations. The activity is conducted as a "Fund Raising" enterprise to fund the legitimate operation and activities of the organization. For example, I think one of the problems is when proceeds from such activity gets diverted from the operation of an organization to the funding of special interest projects, the endorsement or support of candidates or causes....

Now there is the issue of cost. $500,000 for the lease at the airport, I would think would be prohibitive. You would need to sell a lot of T-Shirts, Key Chains, Hats, Collector Chips, AirTites and other Collecting supplies to make that back. Then consider the fact that only customers with airline tickets will shop at your store and you have to consider if you can do enough business to sell the necessary volume to actually raise some funds.

Lastly, I have no personal opinion either way on all this but you do have to consider participation on the parts of members. This should really be a consideration of members from the Las Vegas area as the overwhelming burden would be on them to run a venture like this. I know, if I were flying in or out of McCarran and the shop was convenient IN THE TERMINAL THAT I WAS FLYING IN OR OUT OF, another issue that has to be considered, I would certainly patronize it and buy what I can. Reality though is that not all of us will be flying in and out of THE TERMINAL that the shop would be located so that would take a limited clientele and divide it even further. Being that I am not a local (past member actually) member I wouldn't be in a position to contribute what would be necessary to make a go of this. I think most of us are probably in this catagory.

Maybe other options for such fundraising is, like was mentioned, offering some limited goods to businesses, who for the good of the hobby and the interests that they can gain from promoting casino collectables, who might sell items on consignment or whatever and turn over the proceeds to the club. Maybe a Kiosk or two in the more busy terminals that might attract potential members. Sell some shirts or hats and attract people to sign up as members. Again though you would need to have members who would be willing to spend a few hours of their time, here and there manning such a booth. Come up with some flashy attention getting signage that would attract those who have picked up a carryon full of casino collectables. Encourage them to consider their bags full of treasures more than just souvenirs but realize their collectable values.

Anyways, just throwing out a few other thoughts and ideas.

Have a nice day to all.