March 4, 2010

The Virginia Organizing Project is raising revenue, one cupcake at a time.

The grassroots group is holding a bake sale on the Downtown Mall to balance the budget. The group wants to send a message to Gov. Bob McDonnell and the state legislators.

"We're going to take the proceeds and give it to the governor and say, 'Common people know how to raise money, why don't you?'" one person said.

That mimics the group's message, which is the answer to the state's budget crisis lies in raising revenue, not in making cuts.

The Organizing Project said a "cuts-only" approach to the budget shortfall is irresponsible.

Instead, state and local leaders need to raise money to protect schools and public safety, members said.

"If you keep continuing to cut, you won't have anything, just like if you have a family budget," member Harold Folley said. "And you know if you're lacking in money, you have to get an extra job or extra income. It's time for the governor and legislators to think about what we can do so we don't have to keep cutting."

Bake sales similar to the one on the Downtown Mall are being held all over Virginia Thursday. Organizers said the proceeds will go to the state's general fund.

Statewide, Thursday's bake sales amassed more than $920.