Page 11 - MGHA Annual Report, 2024

& MGHA CASINO CUP
Coming in first place in the inaugural Casino Cup were Garrett Garcia, Mike Bruffey, Gavin Bauer and Mike Beyerstedt from Island View Casino Resort.
Hurricane Katrina took center stage as those inducted into the Hall of Fame reflected on the devastation wrought by the 2005 storm and the progress made in the weeks, months and years after. The inductees were also quick to praise their fellow recipients, as well, all of whom played a strong role in the Gulf Coast’s recovery.
Prior to the Hall of Fame awards being presented, Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich spoke about the growth of the gaming industry on the Gulf Coast. There was also a tribute to
Maj. Gen. Al Hopkins, Sr., who passed away in February while serving as chairman of the Mississippi Gaming Commission. Additionally, the MGHA presented a donation of $3,500 to the nonprofit Bacot Foundation of South Mississippi through money raised from Hall of Fame sponsorships.
Later in the year, 15 teams competed for the inaugural golf award. Island View Casino Resort took home the first-place trophy and bragging rights for the year by shooting a 14-under round of 58, despite windy conditions. Finishing second was the Coca-Cola team, and third place went to a team from the Mississippi Gaming Commission. Donations were collected at the 11th hole to help fund area
food banks through the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi. A check for $3,000 was presented to the Foundation.
The event began with a welcome reception the night before, followed the next morning by breakfast at Tunica National, the golf tournament, lunch and an awards ceremony.
GOLF TOURNAMENT
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