Niagara Casinos Raises $215,000 for United Way Workplace Campaign

NIAGARA FALLS, ON, Nov. 19, 2014 /CNW/ - Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara announced a $215,000 contribution to the United Way of Niagara Falls and Greater Fort Erie. The announcement took place today at the United Way's final luncheon at The Keg restaurant.  

The contribution - $115,000 raised by associates and $100,000 from the corporate giving program - continues to represent the largest single donation to the United Way's annual workplace campaign.

"The success of this campaign, and of campaigns past, speaks to the size of the hearts of our employees," said Art Frank, President of Niagara Casinos. "Giving back is a proud part of our history and our future, and we're fortunate to partner with organizations like the United Way that give assistance to those who need it most."

At Niagara Casinos excitement builds mid-year around the United Way campaign in anticipation of a special events calendar that leaves no shortage of ways for associates to get involved. Led by an enthusiastic Campaign Committee and team of employee volunteers, this year's fundraising activities included several sports tournaments, a charity bazaar and a comedy night. Additionally, October kicked off the annual month-long payroll campaign in which employees donate a portion of their pay to the United Way.

Since 1997, 17 United Way workplace campaigns have taken place at each Casino property with employee and corporate donations exceeding $3.8 million dollars. To keep forward momentum each year the volunteer campaign committee assesses each fundraising event in order to boost associate engagement and raise the most funds possible.

"I consider myself fortunate to be a part of a team that shows a great deal of passion and energy for the common goal of supporting our community" said Casino associate Tony Gagliardi. "The Niagara Casinos team continues to make a significant difference in the community year after year through the United Way. This is something we should be all proud of!"

The Casinos' 2014 United Way Associate Campaign Committee included Ruth Choy, Shayne Fordy, Craig Tomori, Teresa Howell, Ken Conhiser, Lerone Howard, Adam Burton, David Rossi and Tony Gagliardi (Chair); and special event organizers Aniko Bzdyl, Rick Farkas, Rosemary Girardo and Allan Moore. Richard Taylor, Vice President of Operations, served as the Committee's Executive Liaison.

By the end of 2014, Niagara Casinos' corporate giving program will have donated nearly $1 million to local events, community organizations and non-profits throughout Niagara and surrounding areas.

The United Way is just one one of many organizations supported by the Casinos' corporate giving program. This year's beneficiaries include both new and longstanding partners like Hospice Niagara, Project SHARE, Niagara Symphony, Niagara Grape and Wine Festival and Rankin Cancer Run, to name only a few.

The Casinos' corporate giving program has made a number of significant donations over the past fifteen years, including $2.5 million to the Niagara Health System Foundation, $750,000 to Niagara Community Foundation towards an endowment fund, $750,000 to the Niagara College Foundation, $250,000 to the Boys & Girls Club for the Niagara Falls Community Centre, and $250,000 to the McBain Community Centre in Niagara Falls.

About Fallsview Casino Resort
Overlooking the world-famous Horseshoe Falls, Fallsview Casino Resort is an award-winning resort offering premiere entertainment and superior guest service since 2004. Featuring a CAA Four-Diamond Hotel with 374 luxury rooms and suites, Fallsview Casino Resort houses one of the largest and most-impressive gaming floors in the world with over 3,000 slot machines and 100 gaming tables. This vibrant resort property also features a full–service spa and fitness centre, a state-of-the-art 1,500-seat Avalon Theatre, dozens of dining and shopping options and over 30,000 square feet of meeting and convention space. For more information, visit fallsviewcasinoresort.com, @NiagaraCasinos on Twitter, or call 1-888-325-5788.

About Casino Niagara
Operating since 1996, Casino Niagara offers non-stop excitement in the heart of Niagara Falls' tourism district. The Casino features action-packed gaming with over 1,500 slot machines, 34 gaming tables and a designated sports section. The property also includes four restaurants, free live entertainment and Yuk Yuk's standup comedy. For more information, visit casinoniagara.com or call 1-888-325-5788.

SOURCE: Fallsview Casino Resort

Samantha Hoodless, Communications Specialist, Fallsview Casino Resort, T: 905-371-7538, [email protected], @NiagaraCasinos