Tioga Downs in Nichols, N.Y. knows how to throw a party, but in addition to having a good time, racino guests are often also contributing to a worthy cause. Such was the case with two successful July events, which raised more than $30,000 for two local charities – the Food Bank of the Southern Tier and the Salvation Army.
Earlier this month, nearly 2,000 Chubby Checker fans twisted and shouted the night away at a special benefit concert. Through the contributions of both Tioga Downs and owner Jeff Gural, the event raised $27,390 for the Food Bank of the Southern Tier.
“We are so grateful for community partners like Tioga Downs who help us raise much needed funds and awareness,” said Jonathan Fuller, senior manager of community engagement for the Food Bank of the Southern Tier.
The crowd had a chance to hear first-hand the impact of the Food Bank of the Southern Tier. Before the show, April, a mother of four, shared her story of how the food bank helped feed her family, moving many in the audience to tears.
Chubby Checker fans were able to attend the concert for the low price of $5 per ticket with all proceeds being donated to the Food Bank of the Southern Tier. Gural personally contributed an additional $10 for each concertgoer.
A brand new charity event at Tioga Downs this past month also successfully raised $5,154 for the Salvation Army. The Belly Busting Burger Battle pitted regional restaurants against one another in the hopes of being named Southern Tier’s best burger. Guests had a chance to sample dozens of burger creations from the creative to the classic and cast votes for their top choices.
The event judges chose the Waverly Pub as their favorite for its pub burger and Reuben burger. The Binghamton Zona and Co. Grille ranked second for its duck burger and butter burger. Café Too from Sayre, Pa. rounded out the judges’ top three with its French onion burger and also finished first in the People’s Choice category.
Guests who voted placed the Horseheads, N.Y. Beef’s second for its Tammy burger and Bourbon BBQ bacon burger and the Owego, N.Y. Route 38 Bar and Grill third for its bacon BBQ Burger.
“Everyone really enjoyed the event from the food to the entertainment, and we all can feel good because it helped out the Salvation Army at the same time,” said Gural.
Tioga Downs offers live harness racing, video lottery terminals, video poker and electronic roulette. A variety of eateries are also part of the entertainment complex.
Jeff Gural owns Tioga Downs in Nichols, N.Y. and Vernon Downs in Vernon, N.Y. Tioga Downs is the lone bidder for the state’s final full gaming license in the Southern Tier region. Once awarded, Tioga Downs will expand its facility and workforce to accommodate live casino gaming.
In the last decade, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 700 family-sustaining jobs. For more information on Tioga Downs, visit www.tiogadowns.com.
