Horseshoe Casino Cleveland donates 'controlled demonstration' proceeds to area non-profits

CLEVELAND - A few days before Horseshoe Casino Cleveland's public grand opening, a "controlled demonstration" garnered tens of thousands of dollars that has now been donated to three area non-profits.

Of the $47,000 in proceeds from the eight hour event on May 10, the United Way of Greater Cleveland, the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute and the Cuyahoga Community College Foundation were chosen by the casino to each get part of the funds.

"With so much need in our area, this is a fantastic way to work together and strengthen our community," said Paul Clark, United Way of Greater Cleveland board chairman and PNC Bank regional president.

New casino workers successfully demonstrated their readiness to the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) during the controlled demonstration in which they moderated live gaming at slots, table games and poker, and did a shift change to show they were properly trained. Some 1,500 family and friends of casino workers attended the invitation-only event.

"These funds will aid our ongoing efforts to provide cancer patients and survivors with the support services they need while furthering our clinical research efforts in hopes of eradicating cancer in the future," explained Brian Bowell, chairman of Cleveland Clinic's Taussig Cancer Institute.

The money given to Tri-C will go in its Workforce Training Scholarship Fund.

"These funds will help students access and continue their education," said Gloria Moosmann, vice president, Development and the Tri-C Foundation.

The State did keep a 33 percent share of gross gaming revenue from the controlled demonstration event. That money will be distributed to casino host cities, counties and schools, and used for services across the state.

On the Web: www.HorseshoeCleveland.com