WAYLAND, Mich. — Gun Lake Casino announces holiday giving efforts totaling more than $17,500 by partnering with ten area food pantries and Toys for Tots.
“Gun Lake Casino recognizes that the importance of giving back to our communities,” said Sal Semola, president and chief operating officer for Gun Lake Casino. “We are proud to be able to implement multiple giving efforts that have a positive impact and leave a lasting impression through this holiday season.”
Gun Lake Casino collected toy donations from guests and team members Nov. 16 through Dec. 16. Toys for Tots representatives collected the donated toys, with a total of 751 toys and 12 bicycles donated. While donations have been collected from casino team members in past years, this is the first year that Gun Lake Casino has participated as a public Toys for Tots donation site. Over $2,500 in free play was awarded to guests to say thank you for their donations.
The casino also held a luncheon with ten area food pantries, donating $15,000 to support their initiatives. Each food pantry was invited for a lunch at Gun Lake Casino’s Harvest Buffet, and were presented checks for $1,500 each. Included in the luncheon were Allegan County Food Pantry, Christian Neighbors Douglas, Christian Neighbors SE, Community Action House, Good Hands Plainwell, Hopkins Community Food Pantry, Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes, Martin Area Resource Center, Project Hope, and Wayland Area Christian Neighbors.
This is the sixth year that Gun Lake Casino has hosted a food pantry luncheon. Through this annual event, the casino has donated $82,000.
