KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. – The Catawba Two Kings Casino Share Change program has raised $5,000 each for Hospice Cleveland County and the Cleveland County Partnership for Children (CCPFC).
Share Change, the Catawba Nation’s charitable initiative through the casino, enables patrons to donate the remaining change on slot vouchers by dropping them in wishing wells and large ticket barrels located on the casino floor.
“The Share Change program is a way for Catawba Nation and Catawba Two Kings Casino to make a positive change in our community,” Catawba Assistant Chief Jason Harris said. “We thank our generous casino patrons and are happy to support such worthy organizations.”
Funds were raised for Hospice Cleveland County and Cleveland County Partnership for Children from October through Dec. 31, 2021.
Hospice Cleveland County has two houses (Wendover in Shelby and Testa in Kings Mountain) that provide peaceful environments for patients with life-limiting illness such as cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and debility and decline. Services at Hospice are provided regardless of ability to pay, with medications, supplies and equipment covered by Hospice Medicare Benefit. Bereavement services for the family and community are also available, as well as support groups and programs.
Wendover Hospice House was one of the first hospice houses in North Carolina and has served more than 5,000 patients since opening 25 years ago. Testa Family Hospice House is located about 1 mile from the Catawba Two Kings Casino and has served more than 1,700 patients since opening in 2010.
Hospice Cleveland County cares for about 50 percent of all deaths in Cleveland County. On a typical day, it serves about 150 patients, primarily in their own homes but also in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and its two hospice houses. In 2021, Hospice Cleveland County provided compassionate end-of-life care to nearly 900 patients and their family members.
“Hospice Cleveland County is very grateful to the Catawba Tribe and Two Kings Casino for their support,” said Myra McGinnis, president of Hospice Cleveland County. “This generous gift will enable us to provide excellent care for patients and their family members.”
The Cleveland County Partnership for Children provides pre-k, Early Head Start and inclusive Smart Start programs that help children and families access high-quality and affordable childcare, health care and family support services. The goal of CCPFC is to partner with families, businesses and the community to ensure children are healthy and ready for school. The organization has been leading early childhood education in Cleveland County since 1993.
“The Cleveland County Partnership for Children is so thankful to have the support of the Catawba Two Kings Casino,” said Executive Director Shannon White. “The donation will enable us to continue providing early childhood education and support for Cleveland County’s youngest learners and their families. Your contribution makes an impact, and we are extremely grateful that you decided to Come Grow With Us!”
The casino launched the Share Change program several weeks after its July opening and anticipates that the program will grow as the casino grows. The first $10,000 donation benefitted the Cleveland County Fund for Children and Adults with Disabilities, and new charitable recipients will be designated every three months.
PHOTO CAPTION: Trent Troxel (third from left), vice president of the Catawba Nation Gaming Authority, and Catawba Nation Assistant Chief Jason Harris (center) present a check for $10,000 to Hospice Cleveland County and the Cleveland County Partnership for Children. The funds were raised by the Catawba Two Kings Casino from patron donations. At the Jan. 21 presentation were (left to right) Tina Dellinger, assistant director of Cleveland County Partnership for Children; Shannon White, executive director of Cleveland County Partnership for Children; Myra McGinnis, president of Hospice Cleveland County; Pam Sharts, director of marketing and public relations for Hospice; and Patty McMurry, vice president of access for Hospice.