Delaware North’s Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack last week presented a total of $75,000 to 15 different charities throughout the Wheeling Island, W.Va., community.
“With the lack of fundraising and different types of things they can do [in a normal year], we hope that this donation can come at a time that will help them further their mission,” said Kim Florence, president and general manager of Wheeling Island.
The money was raised in large part through collection boxes placed around the casino. Guests were given the opportunity to drop the change left on their slot vouchers or racing tickets into the boxes. Additional donations were collected from Wheeling Island associates for “casual Friday” events throughout the year.
“As with many non-profits, last year was very tough with having to cancel many of our fundraisers,” said Annmarie O’Grady, executive director of Special Wish Foundation, one of the recipient organizations. “Any and every donation is very appreciated.”
“It’s a very welcome gift at this time. They are going to be helping us,” said Wendy Tronka, a representative from Wheeling Health Right, another recipient organization. “Wheeling Island definitely puts its money where its mouth is as far as the community goes.”
A local TV news story about the donation can be found here.