The Point Casino raises more than $42,000 for Alzheimer’s Association
Published 1:02 pm Friday, December 27, 2013
LITTLE BOSTON — The Point Casino ended a yearlong fundraising campaign on Dec. 17 with a presentation of $42,134.72 to representatives of the Alzheimer’s Association Western and Central Washington chapter.
The Point Casino General Manager Leo Culloo presented the check to chapter President and CEO Bob LeRoy.
Every year, The Point Casino — which is wholly owned and operated by the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe — selects a charitable partner that it focuses on for guest, employee, and event fundraising activities. In 2012, The Point had its most successful campaign to date, but the 2013 donation to the Alzheimer’s Association exceeded last year’s numbers by more than 15 percent.
“It may be a tough economic climate, but our guests and employees really stepped up this year for this very important organization,” Culloo said. “One of the most rewarding parts of my job is presenting the results of our year-long fundraising efforts. It feels good to be in an industry that’s about fun, but at the same time can make a significant difference.”
About a third of the money over the past year was raised through guest and employee contributions. Many employees chose to have small donations deducted from their paychecks on a regular basis throughout the year.
The main fundraiser for the year was The Point Casino’s annual Charity Golf Tournament. This year, the event, which was held over the summer, attracted 140 players and raised $27,146.
In addition to its annual fundraising drive, The Point Casino gives away tens of thousands of dollars on a semi-annual basis to local and regional non-profit, educational, arts, and environmental groups through its Community Awards Program. Organizations can apply for up to $2,500 in March and September of each year.
This past year was also significant for The Point Casino because it was the first full year since it underwent an extensive expansion and redesign.
“We have expanded our clientele, which has, undoubtedly helped in our fundraising efforts. The success we had this year gives us a goal to beat in 2014,” Culloo said.
The Point Casino, opened in 2002, is located on the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe reservation. It features table games, a restaurant, buffet, cigar room, nightclub, deli, and — according to The Point — the most diverse mix of slot machines of any Washington casino. The Point prides itself on providing its guests with the same “family and community” spirit the S’Klallam Tribe holds dear.
