On July 6, Southland Casino Hotel presented a check for $20,637 to the Special Olympics Greater Memphis. Through training and competitions in Olympic-style sports, the Special Olympics Greater Memphis’s nonprofit organization spreads the message that people with intellectual disabilities can and will succeed when given the opportunity.
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 communities. For guests of the gaming venues, 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 floor.
“We have a deep appreciation for the work that the Special Olympics Greater 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’re 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.”
“Special Olympics Greater Memphis, in partnership with Southland Casino, helps create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion for everyone. The funds from the Game Changers initiative help children and adults with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities, skills and success, and confidence, and improve their health and overcome barriers. Our athletes find joy, confidence, and fulfillment — on the playing field and in life,” said Lisa Taylor, Executive Director, Special Olympic Greater Memphis.
All proceeds of Delaware North’s Game Changer campaign are donated to local organizations focused on creating positive community impact within each participating location. Since September 2020, the Game Changer program at Southland has raised over $420,000 for the local community.
The initial Game Changer campaign raised $41,000 for Hope House Ministries. The second campaign, for Families in Transition of West Memphis, Ark. raised $47,604. The third raised $53,984 for The Boys and Girls Clubs of Crittenden County and the fourth for the Children’s Advocacy Center of East Arkansas raised $47,051. The fifth campaign raised $46,427 for the Good Neighbor Love Center in West Memphis. The sixth campaign raised $44,346 to benefit the Hattiloo Theatre in Memphis, TN. The seventh raised $37,349 for the West Cancer Foundation in Memphis, the eighth $25,523 for the Jackson Wonder Elementary School, the ninth $17,608 the Memphis Child Advocacy Center, and the tenth $20,637 the Special Olympics Greater Memphis.
The Game Changer initiative is designed to function throughout the year, with multiple local charities benefitting at each location, including at Southland Casino Hotel. Other Delaware North gaming locations participating are Mardi Gras Casino & Resort (Nitro, WV) and Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack (Wheeling, WV).
Southland operates under Delaware North’s Play It Safe program of health and safety standards aimed at helping keep guests and employees safe. Southland implemented the program when it reopened in May 2020.
