Empire City Casino Doubles Down on Efforts to Help New York Rebuild

Online, November 21, 2012 (Newswire.com) - As New York embarks on a massive rebuilding effort after the devastating impact of Hurricane Sandy, Tim Rooney, President and CEO of Empire City Casino has pledged to match up to $100,000 of contributions made by employees and customers to the Empire State Relief Fund announced by Governor Cuomo, to supplement the $500,000 the Casino has already contributed towards relief efforts.

"There are no greater deeds than charity and service," said Rooney. "I felt it was imperative to make this pledge to highlight that no effort is too small. The devastation New Yorkers suffered from this storm is unspeakable," Rooney continued. "Whether you donate $2 or $2,000, it will make a difference. By matching those funds dollar for dollar, our employees and customers will know that their generosity can go a long way in this effort."

"As our state recovers from the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy, time and time again the generous spirit of New Yorkers is on full display with organizations, businesses, and individuals stepping up to the plate to help those in need," Governor Cuomo said. "With this donation, on top of what has already been pledged, Tim Rooney and the employees of Empire City Casino are once again pitching-in in a big way to support our ongoing relief and recovery efforts, and help those hit hard by Hurricane Sandy begin to rebuild their lives."

Rooney said the Casino made a $500,000 donation to the Catholic Charities Hurricane Sandy Relief and Recovery Fund established by the Archdiocese of New York soon after the storm hit. The Casino also served as a hub for Con Edison to distribute dry ice and blankets to residents in need. The Empire City culinary team was also dispatched to hard hit coastal areas to fire up grills and feed hot meals to thousands of first responders and residents. The restaurant staff has prepared and delivered trays of hot food to area shelters as well.

Building on those efforts Rooney and the Casino are now encouraging employees and customers to support rebuilding efforts through the Governor's Relief Fund and have pledged to match up to $100,000 in contributions made by employees and customers to the Fund.

"The devastation from hurricane Sandy has displaced so many from their homes and caused tremendous damage and hardship for people in New York City, Westchester and all of downstate," said Senator Jeff Klein. "I applaud Tim Rooney for his generosity and support in helping relief efforts through Catholic Charities and the Governor's Relief Fund. His generous philanthropic efforts largely go unmentioned but he deserves our thanks and our support to raise needed funds that can help put people's lives back together."

"I commend our friends at Empire City Casino for their generous contributions to our fellow New Yorkers," said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. "During this time of Thanksgiving, we should follow Empire City's lead and provide for those individuals suffering the most during these difficult and stressful times. There is no better time than now to lend a helping hand to our family and friends in New York."

"I applaud Tim Rooney and the leadership of Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway for their tremendous generosity and spirit of citizenship towards the Hurricane Sandy rebuilding efforts," said Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer. "All of us in Yonkers are joined with our New York City neighbors during this tough time. We share the sentiments of Mr. Rooney that this is a moment for those who can to contribute to aid this critical relief effort."

"I applaud Governor Cuomo and Mr. Tim Rooney of Empire City Casino for their great efforts put forth to assist the people of our State in their time of need," said Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow. "With charitable donations such as this and hard work, I am confident we will overcome this disaster."

"We are extremely grateful to the generosity of Tim Rooney and his team at Empire City Casino for placing the needs of their fellow New Yorkers at the top of their priority list," said Assemblyman and Senator-elect, George Latimer. "It is a perfect example of good corporate citizenship, as we all pull together to help those most devastated by the effects of Hurricane Sandy," continued Latimer. "The contribution of financial resources is equaled by the example of care and concern that marks Empire City Casino as a very special neighbor."

The Empire State Relief Fund will distribute funds to the hardest hit areas across the region, specifically directed at costs associated with providing long-term housing and the rebuilding of homes. Although some homeowners will receive assistance from private insurances, FEMA, and other funding sources, in many cases New Yorkers will face a substantial gap between the cost of repair or replacement of their homes and the assistance available. The Empire State Relief Fund will focus efforts on filling the funding gap to ensure that countless New Yorkers can continue to call the Empire State home.

Contributions are being accepted on-site at the Empire City Casino Redemption Booth. Checks should be made payable to Empire State Relief Fund. Cash donations can also be accepted. All funds collected will be matched by Empire City Casino up to $100,000.

About Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway:
Empire City Casino is a full entertainment destination offering 5,300 slot machines, video roulette, electronic craps, sic bo and baccarat tables, Italian cuisine in Nonno's Trattoria, trackside dining in the Empire Terrace Restaurant which overlooks the track for live harness racing, an International Food Court with a wide-ranging menu, year-round live harness racing five nights a week, live entertainment six days a week, including karaoke, comedy, jazz & blues, and the best party and Latin bands in the tri-state area. The multi-faceted Good Time Room is available for parties, benefits, weddings, and major events for up to 400 guests. Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway is located at 810 Yonkers Avenue (at Central Park Avenue) in Yonkers, New York, Westchester County, (I-87 to Exit 2) and is open seven days a week from 9:00 AM to 4:00 AM. For more information call 914.968.4200 or log onto www.empirecitycasino.com.