Local organizations hit the jackpot with hotel-casino-racetrack checks
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WHEELING — More than $20,000 was presented to the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley and to the Augusta Levy Learning Center on behalf of the Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack Monday morning.
The casino’s Regional President and General Manager Kim Florence presented a pair of checks to the two organizations: $15,903.35 to the United Way, and $4,416.55 to the Augusta Levy Learning Center.
These contributions are part of the “Game Changer” program, where uncashed casino or racing vouchers could be dropped into donation boxes throughout the property. Hotel-casino-racetrack associates could also make a $5 donation to wear casual clothing on Fridays. The United Way contribution consists of donations made during January, February and March, while the Augusta Levy contributions were donated during April and May.
“This is a program that we have been very supportive of from the very beginning, and we think it’s going to do a lot of good,” Florence said. “It’s really great to see how all of these people are coming together with these little donations to make a much bigger impact in our community.
“It’s one of the most important things we can do for this area, and that’s part of what makes it so gratifying is when we can come together and support programs like the United Way, and Augusta Levy Learning Center. They’re doing remarkable work in our community, and we’re really happy that we can help them do more of it.”
United Way Executive Director Jessica Rine said she appreciated the large impact from numerous contributors, which mirrors the way the United Way operates. The United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley works to improve the health, education, and financial stability of those who live in the community.
“I love when you see a big check come together from small donations; that’s what we do at the United Way and how we raise money,” Rine said. “We reach out to people and they give us a small amount through the year, which totals something big to help the community, and that’s what we’re seeing on this check: a lot of people from inside and outside the community, donating just a little bit at a time to make a big impact.”
Angela Wood, Executive Director of the Augusta Levy Learning Center, said the support from the hotel-casino-racetrack was highly appreciated, especially after a tough few years, including the July 2018 fire which destroyed their center, operating out of the former Sacred Heart Church in North Wheeling.
“This is so huge for us, our kids, and our families, because everything that’s donated goes directly back to … the children,” Wood said. “Especially after the last couple years, with COVID, and the fire, the amount of support we’ve received from the community is huge.
“… How can you thank them enough? Especially after everything we’ve been through the past year, as a world, they’re taking time still to give, I think that shows the strength of our community.”
