SARATOGA CASINO AND RACEWAY MAKES $250,000 DIFFERENCE DURING 2011

12/8/2011 12:00:00 AM

Saratoga Springs, NY (December 7, 2011) – Saratoga Casino and Raceway donated a total of $125,000 to 32 local organizations last night during the 7th Annual Make a Difference Charity Event. The event included remarks by the casino’s Vice President of External Affairs, Skip Carlson and Senior Vice President of Marketing, Rita Cox. Donations of $2,500 up to $10,000 were presented by Guest Co-Host, Mark Mulholland of WNYT.
 
This year, nearly 165 people were in attendance as Saratoga Casino and Raceway presented 32 organizations with donations, up from 24 in 2010, and a $25,000 increase in total donations for the evening. The recipients for the 2011 Make a Difference event were:

-Agricultural Stewardship Association
-American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Capital Region Chapter
-American Red Cross - Adirondack Saratoga Chapter’s Local Disaster Relief Fund
-Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region
-Capital District Community Gardens
-Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services of Saratoga County
-Equine Advocates
-Franklin Community Center, Inc.
-Glynwood
-Jake's Help From Heaven
-Kelly's Angels, Inc.
-Moreau Community Center
-Nathan Littauer Foundation, Inc.
-National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
-Rebuilding Together, Saratoga County, Inc.
-Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region, Inc.
-Saratoga Bridges
-Saratoga Center for The Family
-Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, Inc.
-Saratoga County Rural Preservation Company - -Guardian House
-Saratoga Hospital Foundation
-Saratoga PLAN
-Schoharie Recovery Inc.
-Shelters of Saratoga
-The Wesley Foundation
-To Life!
-Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar
-Saratoga Therapeutic Equestrian Program
-Schenectady Community Action Program
-Schoharie County Community Action Program, Inc.
-The Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Council of Saratoga County
-The Saratoga County Children’s Committee, Inc
 
"Saratoga Casino and Raceway is an organization that believes to be truly successful, you must invest in and work to improve your community," said Cox, as she addressed the crowd. "This core belief in supporting our community is felt at many levels. It is encouraged by our Board of Directors, our President and our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Jamie Hartman. They believe that for us to continue to grow as a company, we must work to support our community to the greatest of our ability. Their leadership and generosity is what makes tonight happen," she said.
 
During his opening remarks, Carlson explained that the casino has three branches of funding opportunities for community organizations. They include a Donations Committee which reviews requests monthly, the Saratoga Gaming and Raceway Foundation and this annual Make a Difference event.
 
"Many not for profit organizations are experiencing a major squeeze as funding sources are shrinking and due to the tough economic times, the demand for your services is increasing," said Carlson. "I feel very fortunate to work for an organization that recognizes the need and is willing to make a commitment to help bridge the gap."
 
In total, Saratoga Casino and Raceway has made over $250,000 in donations in 2011, and over $1,475,000 in donations since opening in 2004. This year’s donations include $25,000 given by the Saratoga Gaming and Raceway Foundation. The Saratoga Gaming and Raceway Foundation supports charitable and public benefit, non-profit organizations whose mission is the improvement of the quality of life, health and welfare of Saratoga County residents.

The Saratoga Hospital Foundation accepts a $10,000 donation from Saratoga Casino and Raceway's Executive Vice President and COO, Jamie Hartman.

 
Saratoga Casino and Raceway, located on Crescent Avenue in Saratoga Springs, NY, features over 1,700 slots, electronic table games, Vapor Night Club, two full-service restaurants with buffets, a casual dining restaurant, three full-service bars, deli and a variety of guest services including valet parking and coat check. Operating hours for the gaming facility are 9 a.m. to 4 a.m. every day. Simulcast races can be viewed seven days a week and live harness racing runs March through mid-December. For a full racing schedule and additional information, please visit www.saratogacasino.com or call 800-727-2990. Must be 18 years of age or older to play video gaming machines or wager on horses. Please play responsibly.

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