Rivers Casino donates $1.2 million to local charities

Rivers Casino in Des Plaines awarded more than $1.2 million in funding for educational-based programs to 18 charitable organizations in Des Plaines and throughout the Chicago area in 2012, according to a recent company news release.

The beneficiaries were: Anixter Center, Aquinas, The Cara Program, Chicago Sky Cares, Chicago Youth Center, Des Plaines Elementary District 62, Des Plaines Police Youth Association, Intonation Music Workshop, Inspiration Kitchen, Latino Summit/Harper College, Life Span, Maine West High School, Maryville Academy, Marwen, Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, Oakton Community College, Refugee One and Triton College.

“Rivers Casino believes in giving back to the community,” casino General Manager Bill Keena said. “We believe that education is the root of prosperity and allows each individual to reach their full potential.”

The casino also donated $1 million in scholarship funds to the University of Illinois and established the Rivers Casino Scholarship Program, which awards employees and their families more than $250,000 in educational scholarships annually.

“Rivers Casino’s gifts to local education based programs is one of many recent charitable initiatives launched to support the communities we do business in,” said Greg Carlin, CEO of Midwest Gaming.