ANDERSON, Ind. —
Hoosier Park Racing and Casino wanted to do more for the community’s needy.
The Anderson casino already assists community organizations and charities and for the past four years has been involved in the Season of Giving Gift Fair and toy drive for the Salvation Army. But Jahnae Erpenbach, vice president and general manager of gaming, thought more could be accomplished.
This year, the casino is giving as much as $24,000 in cash to the gift fair — benefitting more than 20 local charities — and hopes to collect thousands of dollars in toys for The Salvation Army.
“We are having a much bigger effort this year,” she said. “We are one of the largest employers in the community and we feel a corporate responsibility to give back on a daily basis.”
In years past, Hoosier Park has given $7,500 from the tournament to charities. This year, Erpenbach said, if the slot tournament is fully attended, the casino will be able to donate $24,000. There will be a slot tournament from 6 to 10 p.m. running every 10 minutes each Friday through Dec. 21. The buy-in for the tournament is $20 with 100 percent of that money going to charities.
Last year, Hoosier Park collected 1,000 toys for The Salvation Army. Each person bringing in a new, unwrapped toy valued at $10 or more will receive $10 in casino cash.
Dennis and Antonia Marak, captains in the Salvation Army, said they are grateful for Hoosier Park’s commitment. Last year Salvation Army served 892 children and 361 families. Each child receives six toys from the toy shop, where parents can shop and wrap gifts. The last chance for families to register for the program is today from 9 a.m. to noon at The Salvation Army, 1615 Meridian St.
Pam Shoot, Leadership Academy of Madison County program director, said Hoosier Park’s commitment is a “gift to Madison County.” Over the last four years LAMC-affiliated groups received more than $70,000 through the annual fundraising efforts.
“This match from Hoosier Park is huge for us,” Shoot said. “So many of these groups are struggling to make ends meet that this is a blessing.”
The Season of Giving Gift Fair will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 8 at Mounds Mall.
Find Abbey Doyle on Facebook and @heraldbulletin on Twitter, or call 640-4805.
Community
Related Photos
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Brittany Jarrett adds a toy to the stack of toys donated by Hoosier Park patrons. As of Wednesday afternoon Hoosier Park had collected about 100 toys. All the toys will be given to children through local charities including the Salvation Army. Don Knight
Discussion
November 29, 2012
Hoosier Park supports local charities through slot tournament
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