from Saratoga Gaming and Raceway

Saratoga Springs, NY — Saratoga Gaming and Raceway donated a total of $100,000 to 24 local organizations at the sixth annual Make a Difference charity event on Tuesday, Dec. 7.

The event included remarks by Saratoga Gaming and Raceway’s Vice President of External Affairs, Skip Carlson, and Executive Vice President and COO, Jamie Hartman, followed by check presentations by guest co-host, WRGB CBS 6 news anchor, Liz Bishop.

The recipients this year were:

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Capital Region, NY Chapter
American Red Cross, Adirondack Saratoga Chapter
CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services
Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services of Saratoga County
Empire State Youth Orchestra
Equinox
Franklin Community Center
Karen and Gary Dake Foundation for Children
Nathan Littauer Foundation
Operation Adopt A Soldier
Rebuilding Together, Saratoga County
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region
SaratogaArtsFest
Saratoga Bridges
Saratoga Center For The Family
Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council
Saratoga Hospital Foundation
Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar
Saratoga Therapeutic Equestrian Program
Senior Citizen Center of Saratoga Springs, NY
Shelters of Saratoga
The Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Council of Saratoga Springs
The Saratoga County Children’s Committee
The Wesley Foundation

“It is so important that we continue to support local organizations that make a difference every day, as well as recognize the amazing volunteers that put in countless hours of hard work to keep them up and running,” describes Jamie Hartman, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Saratoga Gaming and Raceway. “With that said, we are thankful to have the help from WRGB’s Liz Bishop in providing that recognition.”

Each organization received between $1,250 and $10,000. The donations are earmarked for varying initiatives at each organization.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Capital Region Chapter, received a $2,500 donation.

“Interactive Screening Program is a web-based interactive screening program to reach students that may be at an increased risk of suicide,” describes Board President, Lisa Riley. “In addition, this donation will aid in an effort to provide suicide prevention and education programs free of charge to area schools and organizations.”

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region received a $7,500 donation.

“This generous support will truly help us make a difference in the lives of families dealing with a seriously ill child,” explains Jeff Yule, Executive Director. “Due to the fact that the economy is straining all facets of our community, our services are needed more now than ever. By maintaining our solid financial footing, we can remain committed to not only maintaining our programs but working to find ways to meet our increased demand.”

The Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council received $10,000 in monetary support.

“Saratoga EOC is delighted and overwhelmed by this donation. We’ve been struggling this year with a dramatic increase in requests for food and services from our WIC (Women, Infants and Children) and Weatherization programs,” explains Executive Director, Julie Hoxsie. “We will use the donation to fill service gaps and to increase our capacity to assist our neighbors in need.”

Saratoga Gaming and Raceway has made over $225,000 in donations this year, and over $1,225,000 in donations since opening in 2004. This year’s donations include $25,000 given to the Saratoga Gaming and Raceway Foundation, which 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.