Page 32 - Mississippi/Louisiana Gaming News - Spring, 2024

Contributions & Donations
32 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2024
Charities are winners in Wreaths of Hope
MISSISSIPPI — Boyd Gaming wrapped
up its 16th annual holiday decorating competitions, Wreaths of Hope and Trees
of Hope, with more than $200,000 in
total funds being awarded to nonprofit organizations across the nation. In Mississippi, the two Boyd properties — IP Casino Resort Spa in Biloxi and Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall in Tunica — took part in the competition.
This was the competition’s fourth year
at IP Casino, which awarded more than $10,000 to 17 local charities. The top five performing charities received cash donations. The Gulf Coast Center for Non-Violence was the first-place winner taking home $3,000; followed by the Back Bay Mission, $2,500
for second; and Humane Society of South Mississippi, $2,000 for third. From Our Hearts to Yours and Woodside Wildlife Rescue received $1,000 for fourth and $450 for fifth, respectively. All runners up were given $150.
At Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall Tunica, the Tunica Humane Society took top honors and received $3,000, followed by Mississippi Project Package, $1,500 for second; and House of Grace, $500 for third.
Winners from IP Casino Resort Spa (above) show off their prize money. (Right) The winning wreath from Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall.
The 2023 holiday competition saw more participants than ever, with 186 organizations nationwide decorating wreaths and trees in the spirit of their mission. Customers were asked to vote for their favorite charities online or in-person to determine results. The national prize pool awarded in 2023 represents
the largest prize pool in the history of the competition.
Serving Those In Need
Hard Rock Biloxi has partnered with Back Bay Mission since 2007 in providing the annual Hunger
– Homeless Meal to those in the community who are in need, including those who are homeless and/or facing food insecurities. On average, more than 200 meals are provided each year. Hard Rock employees handled the cooking, boxing, transporting, and serving of the Thanksgiving meals.
Holiday Helpers
Boomtown Casino Biloxi and Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast each held a Holiday Helpers program in December, where team members applied and received Christmas gifts for their children. Through team member donations and toys collected at the Kris Kringle Golf Tournament & Toy Drive, 56 children at the two properties were able to receive presents. The golf tournament, held at the Bridges Golf Course at Hollywood Gulf Coast, also collected toys for Toys for Tots.