Casino donates to local charities

The “cha-ching” of cash registers ringing at the new Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, which opened Monday to massive crowds, must sound like music to the ears of city leaders.

While casino owners and investors are probably laughing all the way to the bank, they’re not keeping all the casino revenues to themselves.

Following last Friday’s “Community Night” at the new casino, 3000 S. River Road, Midwest Gaming & Entertainment LLC, casino owner Neil Bluhm, CEO Greg Carlin, and Clairvest Group Inc., presented a check for $25,000 each to the Des Plaines Self-Help Closet & Pantry and AMVETS.

Rivers Casino General Manager Bill Keena also recently presented a check for $15,000 to the Rev. John P. Smyth, of the Reverend John P. Smyth Standing Tall Charitable Foundation.

The Standing Tall Foundation serves homeless, underserved and/or at-risk children and disenfranchised families. It has granted more than 250 academic scholarships to students in need.

“We appreciate the generosity of Neil Bluhm, Greg Carlin, and the Clairvest Group for taking an interest in this Des Plaines charity and for their willingness to help the less fortunate,” Mayor Marty Moylan said in a news release.