Southland Casino Hotel donates $20,694 for the youth summer jobs program

Initiative part of parent company Delaware North’s ‘Game Changer’ campaign at select U.S. gaming locations

By NATALIE CARLSON

Southland Casino Hotel

WEST MEMPHIS — On April 3, 2024, Southland Casino Hotel presented a big check for $20,694 to the Mayor McClendon’s Youth Empowerment Summer Jobs Program – West Memphis, Ark. The Youth Summer Jobs Program was created by Mayor McClendon to educate and employ up to 60 ambassadors every summer, creating experiences and opportunities for West Memphis local youth during their summer break. Investing in the education and development of the West Memphis youth not only empowers them, but also strengthens the foundation of the community.

The campaign is part of parent company Delaware North’s “Game Changer” initiative across its gaming properties in the United States, with the goal of making a positive change in those local communities.

For guests of the gaming venue, it’s as easy as dropping off and gifting the change that’s left on a slot voucher at wishing wells, located throughout the casino oor.

“We have a deep appreciation for the work that West Memphis does to help our community,” said Osi Imomoh, general manager and president of Southland Casino Hotel. “And to take it a step further – it’s wonderful to know that we are a part of something even larger, as patrons of other gaming venues within our company’s U.S. portfolio are helping those in need within their respective communities.”

“Southland has always been a great partner to the City of West Memphis and their philanthropy has always been great to our community,” said Mayor Mc-Clendon.

All proceeds of Delaware North’s Game Changer campaign are provided to local organizations focused on creating positive community

See DONATION, page A2

West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon (left) is all smiles as he accepts a check for more than $20,000 from Southland officials for the city’s summer youth jobs program.

Submitted photo DONATION

From page A1

impact within each participating location. Since September of 2020, the Game Changer program at Southland has raised over $451,407 for the local community. The initial Game Changer campaign raised $41,000 for Hope House Ministries. The second Game Changer campaign for Families in Transition of West Memphis, Ark raised $47,604. The third Game Changer campaign raised $53,984 for The Boys and Girls Clubs of Crittenden County and the fourth campaign for the Children’s Advocacy Center of East Arkansas raised $47,051. The _fth campaign raised $46,427 for the Good Neighbor Love Center in West Memphis, Ark. The sixth campaign raised $44,346 to bene_t the Hattiloo Theatre in Memphis, TN. The seventh raised $37,349 for the West Cancer Foundation in Memphis, TN, the eighth raised $25,523 for the Jackson Wonder Elementary School and the ninth raised $17,608 for Step Up for Down syndrome. And the tenth raised $20,908 for the Sultana Disaster Museum and 11th raised $20,637 the Special Olympics Greater Memphis. The 12th raised $19,163 for the Delta Arts, West Memphis.

The Game Changer initiative is designed to function throughout the year, with multiple local charities bene_tting at each location, including at Southland Casino Hotel. Other Delaware North gaming locations participating are Mardi Gras Casino & Resort (Nitro, W.Va.); and Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack (Wheeling, W.Va.).

About Southland Casino Hotel’s Community Commitment

As one of the largest employers in West Memphis, Southland Casino Hotel is committed to further supporting the tristate area through volunteer efforts, donations, and continued investments. Southland Casino Hotel’s Community Engagement Of_ce is designed to identify and invest in areas within Eastern Arkansas, Memphis and the Mid-South. Our goal is to empower our neighbors to care for their health, futures, and connect with each other, through Southland’s philanthropic channels. Organizations interested in requesting a charitable contribution from Southland may apply at www.southlandcommunity engagement.com

About Southland Casino Hotel

Southland Casino Hotel has been a major racing venue for more than 60 years and recently opened its newly expanded casino complex that boasts 2,400 total slot machines, as many as 50 live table games, sports betting and a new covered parking garage with over 1,400 spaces. Restaurants at Southland include The Kitchens – a unique buffet experience, Ignite Steakhouse, The Fry House, The Grind, Seasons Cafe and the Sports Bar & Grill – while new bars include the Chairman’s Bar, Charred Oak Bourbon Bar and the Ignite Steakhouse Bar.

Southland has long been a pivotal _xture of the West Memphis community, strongly supporting the community with jobs, business stability, and economic contributions. It has consistently won awards for its outstanding community service, including millions of dollars donated to neighborhood charities and educational institutions. Southland is owned and operated by Delaware North, a global leader in hospitality and entertainment (www.southlandcasino.com).