Empire City Casino Doubles Efforts To Help New York Rebuild

As New York embarks on a massive rebuilding effort after the devastating impact of Hurricane Sandy, Tim Rooney, President and CEO of Empire City Casino has pledged to match up to $100,000 of contributions made by employees and customers to the Empire State Relief Fund. This pledge will supplement the $500,000 the casino has already contributed towards relief efforts.

“There are no greater deeds than charity and service,” said Rooney. “I felt it was imperative to make this pledge to highlight that no effort is too small.  The devastation New Yorkers suffered from this storm is unspeakable,” Rooney continued. “Whether you donate $2 or $2,000, it will make a difference.  By matching those funds dollar for dollar, our employees and customers will know that their generosity can go a long way in this effort.”

"As our state recovers from the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy, time and time again the generous spirit of New Yorkers is on full display with organizations, businesses, and individuals stepping up to the plate to help those in need," Governor Cuomo said. "With this donation, on top of what has already been pledged, Tim Rooney and the employees of Empire City Casino are once again pitching-in in a big way to support our ongoing relief and recovery efforts, and help those hit hard by Hurricane Sandy begin to rebuild their lives."

Rooney said the Casino made a $500,000 donation to the Catholic Charities Hurricane Sandy Relief and Recovery Fund established by the Archdiocese of New York soon after the storm hit. The Casino also served as a hub for Con Edison to distribute dry ice and blankets to residents in need.

The Empire City culinary team was also dispatched to hard hit coastal areas to fire up grills and feed hot meals to thousands of first responders and residents. The restaurant staff has prepared and delivered trays of hot food to area shelters as well.

Building on those efforts Rooney and the Casino are now encouraging employees and customers to support rebuilding efforts through the Governor’s Relief Fund and have pledged to match up to $100,000 in contributions made by employees and customers to the Fund.

The Empire State Relief Fund will distribute funds to the hardest hit areas across the region, specifically directed at costs associated with providing long-term housing and the rebuilding of homes. Although some homeowners will receive assistance from private insurances, FEMA, and other funding sources, in many cases New Yorkers will face a substantial gap between the cost of repair or replacement of their homes and the assistance available. The Empire State Relief Fund will focus efforts on filling the funding gap to ensure that countless New Yorkers can continue to call the Empire State home.

Contributions are being accepted on-site at the Empire City Casino Redemption Booth. Checks should be made payable to Empire State Relief Fund.  Cash donations can also be accepted. All funds collected will be matched by Empire City Casino up to $100,000.