OPELOUSAS, La.—As part of its commitment to giving back to the community, Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel has made a number of meaningful donations throughout the year to support local non-profit organizations serving the Acadiana area, including:
Evangeline Downs to Award $15,000 During 2021 Wreaths of Hope Competition
This December, Evangeline Downs is spreading holiday cheer with the return of its annual holiday competition, “Wreaths of Hope.” A total of 17 local charities are competing in this year’s Wreaths of Hope competition, as Evangeline Downs will award a prize pool of $15,000 to the participating non-profit organizations. Guests 21 or older have been invited to vote for their favorite charity’s decorated wreath by swiping their B Connected card at any promotions kiosk to receive a ballot to submit their vote.
As part of Boyd Gaming’s national holiday tradition, Wreaths of Hope is a charitable, wreath-decorating competition where local non-profit organizations have the chance to win much-needed funding based on customer vote, and gain invaluable exposure for their missions.
The community can stay tuned to Evangeline Downs’ Facebook page to get the results of this year’s winners on Wednesday, December 22 at www.facebook.com/EvangelineDownsRacetrackCasino.
Holiday Care Packages Donated to Sunrise Rotary Club of Opelousas for Local Seniors
From November 15 through December 9, Evangeline Downs participated in the Sunrise Rotary Club of Opelousas’ Shoppe D’Noel initiative that is dedicated to collecting donated items to create care packages for local seniors to enjoy during the holiday season. Team members and guests at Evangeline Downs donated cash and items, such as blankets, puzzle books, coloring books and stuffed animals for the care packages. All donations will be provided to residents living at four local nursing homes to help make their holiday season brighter.
$25,000 Donation to Catholic Charities of Acadiana
Earlier this year, Evangeline Downs donated $25,000 to Catholic Charities of Acadiana, which operates several programs that serve those who are experiencing hunger, homelessness and poverty in Acadiana. Evangeline Downs’ donation will support the organization’s St. Joseph Diner, which provides meals to thousands struggling with hunger each month. In partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, St. Joseph Diner utilizes volunteer services to create, package and distribute approximately 15,000 meals each week.
$25,000 Donation to Opelousas Elderly Awareness Seminar
The property also contributed $25,000 to Opelousas Elderly Awareness Seminar (OEAS) in June, whose mission is to serve senior citizens and disabled persons by providing and connecting them to much-needed resources and services, as well as raising awareness of causes important to these communities through their seminars. OEAS also works in partnership with the Opelousas City Marshal to assist with food drives, disaster relief efforts and donate needed items to local seniors and disabled persons. The donation will allow the organization to strengthen its outreach efforts, supply their homebound elders with more individualized resources and provide a better seminar experience.
For additional information on Boyd Gaming’s efforts to support communities nationwide, visit www.caringtheboydway.com.
About Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel
Encompassing over 750 acres, Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel features over 39,000 square feet of casino space as well a racetrack that boasts state-of-the-art facilities with a 7/8-mile turf track and 1 1/8-mile chute. The casino includes over 1,200 slot machines, two amazing restaurant options, and plenty of meeting space including track-side private club suites. More information can be found at www.evangelinedowns.com, or on Facebook or Twitter. Evangeline Downs is a Boyd Gaming property. Founded in 1975, Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE: BYD) is a leading geographically diversified operator of 28 gaming entertainment properties in 10 states. With one of the most experienced leadership teams in the casino industry, Boyd Gaming prides itself on offering its guests an outstanding entertainment experience, delivered with unwavering attention to customer service. For additional Company information and press releases, visit www.boydgaming.com.