Philadelphia’s SugarHouse Casino has continued its annual contribution to the Penn Treaty Special District, with the presentation of a $1m cheque during this week’s Penn Treaty SSD Community Service Awards.
Bringing its total contribution to Penn Treaty SSD to $6.7m since 2009, the various grants subsequently get distributed to benefit residents of Olde Richmond, Fishtown, South Kensington and Northern Liberties.
The Penn Treaty SSD uses the casino funds to sponsor community activities and make physical improvements to parks and other infrastructure, whilst also providing financial assistance to deserving local groups.
Cheryl Duhon, general manager of SugarHouse Casino, commented: “SugarHouse is proud to continue to support and partner with the Penn Treaty SSD.
“It has done a wonderful job of consistently working to better our community, and we are glad to contribute to these projects.”
At the check presentation ceremony, Penn Treaty SSD honoured individuals and organisations for their outstanding service benefiting the neighbourhoods surrounding the casino.
The evening’s honourees were Shawn Murphy, president of Fishtown Athletic Club, and Ira Upin, vice-chair of the zoning committee for the Northern Liberties Neighbours Association. Murphy and Upin have volunteered countless hours with their respective organisations.
A further two organisations were also honoured during the event, namely Ceiba, a nonprofit promoting economic development and financial inclusion of the Latino community representing South Kensington, and The Pink Elephant, a nonprofit representing Olde Richmond that helps addicted people and their families.
“Each year, we are honoured to present these awards to individuals and organisations that are making a difference in our community,” said Penn Treaty SSD board Chairman Rich Levins. “And thank you to SugarHouse for its continued support in this effort.”
Each of the award recipients received a City of Philadelphia citation from Margaret Hughes, First Deputy City Representative, who presented and attended on behalf of Mayor Jim Kenney.
