Saratoga Gaming donates $90,000

20 December 2006

SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York -- Saratoga Gaming and Raceway proudly presented $90,000 in charitable donations to nine local organizations at a press conference and check presentation on Wednesday, December 20th. The receiving organizations included Saratoga Care Foundation, the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, Saratoga Center for the Family, Skidmore College Palamountain Scholarship fund, Shelters of Saratoga, Domestic Violence Services and Rape Crisis of Saratoga County, Franklin Community Center, Boys and Girls Club of Albany, and Yaddo. Each organization received $10,000.

The donations are earmarked for varying initiatives at each organization. Eve Mulholland, the Finance Coordinator of the Domestic Violence Services and Rape Crisis of Saratoga County says this donation "will assist our agency in furthering our mission to provide safe shelter, crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy and other services to victims of domestic violence."

The Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council (EOC) will use the funds to support the many programs that they offer to families in need of both financial and emotional assistance. The Saratoga Center for the Family will also use the funds to support and expand their programs including Kids Groups that use arts and crafts, creative writing, games, field trips, and discussion, to provide a safe and nurturing environment in which children can share their experiences, and develop self esteem, decision-making skills, and an accurate understanding of their family situation. Yaddo is an artists' community located on a 400-acre estate in Saratoga Springs, New York. Its mission is to nurture the creative process by providing an opportunity for artists to work without interruption in a supportive environment. The Palamountain Scholarship Fund provides support for students who, because of financial needs, might not otherwise be able to attend Skidmore College.

The Franklin Community Center serves our less fortunate neighbors. Executive Director Kari Cushing says that this donation will help the Franklin Community Center to "realize our goal of expanding Project LIFT, our after school prevention program." The donation made to the Boys and Girls Club will benefit the Ida Yarborough Branch in Albany. Executive Director Nancy Breen Lamb of Shelters of Saratoga (SOS) accepted the donation "We lost a major grant this year, so this is a blessing." Shelters of Saratoga is the only homeless shelter in Saratoga, Washington or Warren County. For 15 years they've been helping individuals in need with shelter, food, clothing, employment, transportation, and case management.

Saratoga Gaming and Raceway has made over $200,000 in donations this year. This includes its funding of $25,000 to the Saratoga Gaming and Raceway Foundation. The Foundation's goal is to provide financial assistance to charitable organizations with the mission of improving the quality of life, health, and welfare of Saratoga County residents. The Foundation awarded $37,500 in grants on December 19th to eight non-profit organizations that offer services and programs ranging from helping combat problem gambling, supporting youth and families, recreation and the arts.

The first gaming facility to open in New York State, Saratoga Gaming and Raceway boasts over 1,300 state-of-the-art video gaming machines, a full service restaurant with buffet, three full-service bars, a food court and deli, a point boutique, and a variety of guest services including valet parking and coat check. Patrons can participate in our player rewards program, Player Extras Club, while visiting the property. The 55,000 square foot gaming floor cost $15 million to construct and employs an additional 300 local residents. Fortunes, our full service restaurant, overlooks the excitement of live harness racing with seats for 400 guests and can accommodate large group events. Video gaming and food and beverage operations at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway are managed by Delaware North Companies Inc., a leading hospitality and entertainment management group headquartered in Buffalo, NY.

Saratoga Gaming and Raceway is located on Crescent Avenue in Saratoga Springs, NY. Operating hours for the gaming facility are 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., seven days a week. Simulcast races can be viewed Wednesday through Sunday. Live Harness racing returns February 2nd. Post time for all races is 7:20 p.m. Must be 18 years of age or older to play video gaming machines or wager on horses. Please play responsibly.