by Matt Sparacino, publicity director, Harrington Raceway

Harrington, DE — Harrington Raceway and Casino, in conjunction with USO Delaware, hosted a donation drive on Sept. 1-2 that netted approximately $20,000 in cash and gift card donations to benefit Hurricane Harvey victims located in Texas and Louisiana.

Harrington Raceway photo

From left to right, Harrington Raceway Director of Entertainment Glenn Subers, USO Delaware’s Center Operations and Program Manager Yolanda Bottorf, Bruce Kmiec, Center Director for USO Delaware and Harrington Raceway and Casino General Manager Len Tranchitella stand with donated cash and gift cards from the Hurricane Harvey donation drive.

Philanthropy was in the air as an outpouring of customers and employees participated by giving cash and/or $10 minimum in gift cards from Walmart/Sam’s Club, Target, Costco and/or Visa/Mastercard. The sound of a bell ringing became commonplace as staff would ring the bell whenever a donation larger than $10 was received.

The donated items will be distributed by USO Delaware for supplies needed to first responders and current military and National Guard stationed in Texas and Louisiana for flood victims of the historic hurricane which has left many without homes. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to USO Delaware for distribution in the disaster areas.

“It was great to work with the casino and help the people of Texas,” said Yolanda Bottorf, USO Delaware’s Center Operations and Program Manager. “I’m from Texas and have friends that live there so that really helped to make it special. It’s great to see people in Delaware work together for this cause even though we are far away from the disaster area.”

“It’s terrific to work with USO Delaware to be able to help those impacted by Hurricane Harvey,” said Harrington Raceway and Casino CEO Patricia Key. “We were delighted to see the support from the community and our employees who rallied together for this great cause.”