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Gaming division raising funds for charity through ‘Game Changer’ campaign

Delaware North’s gaming division has launched a fundraising campaign to benefit local charitable organizations that work to improve the health, education and financial stability of people who live in the communities of its gaming locations.

img_0699-4853618The campaign involves casino patrons gifting the change that’s left on their slot vouchers and racing tickets by dropping them or the change off at wishing wells and large ticket barrels throughout the casinos. Signage promoting the campaign is visible in each of the participating gaming locations.

Game Changer first launched at Southland Casino Racing in Arkansas on Sept. 1. On December 11, Southland Casino Racing presented Hope House Ministries, a nonprofit organization that supports Crittenden County with emergency food, with a check for $41,075. Southland’s initial Game Changer campaign from September through November raised $41,000 for Hope House Ministries.

In early November, Delaware North’s two casinos in West Virginia – Mardi Gras Casino & Resort and Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack – launched their Game Changer campaigns. Wheeling Island’s campaign is benefitting the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley, and Mardi Gras’ campaign is raising funds for the United Way of Central West Virginia. You can view news coverage of the launches here and here.

“We have a deep appreciation for what the United Way does to help our community and know our patrons will lend a hand,” said Eric Althaus, general manager of Mardi Gras Casino & Resort. “It’s also wonderful to know that Mardi Gras is part of something even larger as patrons of Delaware North’s other gaming venues are helping those in need in their communities.”

Margaret O’Neal, president of the United Way of Central West Virginia, said: “Mardi Gras and Delaware North could not have chosen a better time to introduce the ‘Game Changer’ program. COVID-19 has increased the need for services in communities more than ever before.”

All proceeds of Delaware North’s Game Changer campaign are provided to local organizations focused on creating positive impact within each participating community. Game Changer is designed to function throughout the year, with multiple local charities benefiting at each location. The campaign will launch at other Delaware North gaming locations in the coming months.

PHOTO CAPTION: From left to right: Jeff Strang, Director of Marketing, Southland Casino Racing; Kim Gibbs, Executive Director, Hope House; Liz Coleman, Volunteer, Hope House; Kim Spencer, Volunteer, Hope House; Kathy Duncan, Board Member, Hope House; David Wolf, General Manager and President, Southland Casino Racing; Roderick Sims, Volunteer, Hope House.