Philadelphia Casino Gives $1 Million For Local Neighborhoods

By John McDevitt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The SugarHouse Casino wrote a $1 million check Tuesday to benefit members of the neighborhoods near the casino.

Penn Treaty Special Services District (PTSSD) is a community based organization which incorporated in 2009. It gives grants funded by the casino to representatives in the neighborhoods surrounding the casino to improve the quality of life.

"We know that this money is going toward programs for kids, for the elderly, toward neighborhood infrastructure, that's all things that ultimately have a direct impact on our business. Our employees are from these neighborhoods. Our customers are from these neighborhoods. So really it all has a multiplier effect," said Wendy Hamilton, the General Manager of SugarHouse Casino.

A.J. Thompson heads the Friends of Penn Treaty Special Services District (PTSSD).

"The funds from SugarHouse have really improved everything and we can never be more thankful. And I know, I speak for the communities around here to say thank you and this is a jackpot for all of us," said Thompson.

The SugarHouse's corporate philanthropy started in 2010 with a $500,000 donation to PTSSD.

To date, $3.6 million has been contributed to the organization.

The $1 million contribution coincides with the expansion of the casino set to open in part by the end of the year.

For more information about the Penn Treaty Special Services District, including past grants and how to submit applications for future consideration, visit www.penntreatyssd.com.