Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack Donates $5,402 to Madison Elementary School
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WHEELING -- Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack presented a winning check Tuesday that's a "Game Changer" for Madison Elementary School.
Kim Florence, regional president and general manager of Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack, turned over to Principal Andrea Trio on Tuesday $5,402 the track raised for the school through its "Game Changer" program.
During June and July, track patrons had the option of dropping uncashed casino and racing vouchers into donation boxes located on the property.
Employees also got to participate in the giving. For a $5 donation to "Game Changers," they are permitted to wear a t-shirt and jeans during work hours on Fridays.
"The track is in our neighborhood," Florence said.
"Many of our employees have kids who are students here, and it's our way of giving back."
Trio described how the school could put the money to use. Madison is presently in the middle of revamping its playground into a sensory garden, and Trio said the money could be used to purchase additional stations for the playground.
Some also could be put toward academics in the school and the purchase of resources, she said.
"We're also about climate and culture and positive affirmation here," she said.
The school is looking to purchase small mirrors upon which will be placed positive messaging words, according to Trio. These would be placed throughout the school building.
"They see themselves, then recite something positive," she said.
The establishment of "Cougar Calm Down Caves" in the school also could take place, Trio said.
"This would be a place for de-escalation, and a place for them to go to feel safe and loved," she explained.
Earlier this year, similar donations were made by the track to the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley and the Augusta Levy Learning Center, according to Florence.
Future beneficiaries include Wheeling Health Right and the Ohio Valley Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation, she said.