By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

THE Department of Commerce received four applications for gambling exemption permits this month.
Four nonprofit organizations submitted their applications to the department’s registrar of corporations division.
The Northern Marianas Descent Association asked for an exemption permit so it can conduct a four-day fundraiser, scheduled for March 22-25, at Echo Karaoke in Garapan.
Chartered as a nonprofit organization in 2004, the group conducted a similar fundraising event in July of last year. It is chaired by Ana Demapan Castro.
The Latte Stones Foundation, which was chartered in Oct, 2006, submitted its exemption forms for a proposed March 12-15 fundraising event in Garapan.
The organization listed as its acting president Felipe Atalig.
In their applications, the associations stated that proceeds will go to medical assistance and/or scholarship grants to the community.
The Commonwealth Health Center Volunteers Association wsa issued permit for its March 12 fundraiser in Garapan. Funds raised will be used to buy essential equipment for CHC.
The newly created nonprofit Utilities Assistance Corp., which was charted on Feb. 12, seeks exemption from the gambling law for its four-day casino-type operation. This is scheduled for March 16-20 at the Victoria Hotel in Garapan
Its chairman, former Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio, said the proceeds are “strictly for the benefit of low-income families of Saipan to help them pay for their utilities.”