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WHEELING - Youth Services Systems CEO Tammy Kruse knew the agency was receiving a donation from the Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack on Wednesday, but her jaw dropped when she was told it would be "in excess of $5,000."
The check presented her by Kim Florence, general manager of the track, turned out to be for $6,336. The money was generated during the month of December through the track's "Game Changer" program.
Kruse said the funds will be put toward any of 25 different programs offered by YSS. Many of these involve transitional living programs for youths leaving foster care or who are homeless.
The transitional programs help the youths to learn life skills and get jobs, and even learn how to drive.
YSS also operates emergency centers, and the Ronald C. Mulholland Juvenile Center for young female offenders.
Some of the youths there are awaiting trial, or they have been convicted and are participating in the center's "commitment program." Kruse said.
"They're kids - they're kids who got caught doing things they shouldn't have done. But they're just kids," she added.
YSS also oversees three recovery homes, and these provide a place for youths recovering from substance addiction to re-enter the community by getting their GED and reuniting with their families, she explained.
"We're able to use this money to help our community grow and become a good stable foundation for the youth in our community," she said.
The track's efforts to raise dollars for charities has been going on for about 12 years, but was named Game Change just five years ago, according to Florence. She added the concept hasn't changed over time.
Patrons contribute uncashed casino and racing vouchers into donation boxes located on the property. Also, track employees have the opportunity to make a $5 donation each Friday to Game Changers and wear a t-shirt and jeans to work, she said.
Game Changers in 2022 generated more than $67,000 - portions of which were donated to selected local charities, Florence reported.
The charity chosen by the track to receive the donations for the first quarter of 2023 is the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley, she said.
"We will be doing the same thing throughout the year where we will be rotating out different charities," Florence added.