Gural thanked for contribution to Tioga United Way

On Aug. 9, the Tioga United Way held a press conference at Tioga Downs Casino Resort to express thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Gural, owner of the property, for their generosity and support of the organization and the community. Gathered at the event were board members, supporters and representatives from Tioga United Way agencies.

The Gural’s matched monies raised at the Tioga United Way’s biggest fundraiser of the year held last December, Dancing United with the Starz, which brought in more than $100,000.

“The donation is being distributed across all of our 34 agencies,” commented Carolyn Palladino, Tioga United Way Executive Director. 

Palladino explained that the donation would be used toward specific needs. Tioga United Way supports 34 agencies in addressing issues such as food insecurity, domestic violence, illiteracy, transportation, elder care, environmental education, and offering programs for the elderly, the disabled, the isolated, and much more.

“The Gural’s financial support stretches far and wide across Tioga County,” Palladino said, adding, “They are truly making a difference.”

The press conference showcased three agencies supported by the Tioga United Way – Owego Gymnastics & Activity Center, the Spencer Van Etten Community Food Cupboard and Camp Ahwaga.

Jana Bowen, executive director of the Owego Gymnastics and Activity Center, thanked the Gural’s, and explained, “The special gift allowed us to provide weeks of fun camps for children who would not be able to afford it otherwise.”

Kermit Bossard, coordinator for the Spencer Van Etten Community Food Cupboard, explained that funds were used to purchase a new freezer. Bossard shared, “In the last ten years we have doubled the amount of people reached, and last year provided some 55,000 meals.”  

He added, “We appreciate your community support throughout the entire area and look forward to continuing that relationship.”

Teresa McNamara, Camp Ahwaga board member and parent commented, “Your generous donation expanded the world of our children,” adding, “At our six week summer camp for special needs children that includes education and recreational experiences, our campers were able to attend five field trips over the summer.”

Gural, who, along with his wife, attended the 2017 Dancing United with the Starz, explained that he has been very fortunate and enjoys donating money to help others.

Gural said, “You can count on Tioga Downs and me to fund programs in our community,” and added that by the end of the year an announcement will be made about monies to be donated via a foundation now in the works.  

Dancing United with the Starz 2018 is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 1 at Tioga Downs Casino and Resort.

To learn more about the Tioga United Way or to help support it, visit tiogaunitedway.com.