SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – Saratoga Casino Hotel celebrated ‘Giving Tuesday’ by donating $130,000 to 13 Capital Region non-profit organizations during its annual ‘Make A Difference’ holiday luncheon in Vapor.

“Twenty years later, this is still the event we look forward to most every year,” said Skip Carlson, Vice President of External Affairs at Saratoga Casino Hotel. “Giving back to organizations that improve the lives of so many and impact our guests, team members and the overall community is an integral part of our company’s principles and something our owners truly believe in. We are honored to be in the position to help.”

The Saratoga Springs Police Department K9 Unit, one of the recipients of a donation this year, consists of four highly trained police dogs and their handlers. This specialized unit provides essential support to the Patrol Division in various operations, including tracking, building and area searches, item location, narcotics and explosives detection, and suspect apprehension. Handlers and their canine partners undergo a rigorous selection process, followed by extensive training to develop effective teams that are deployed in a wide range of situations.

Lieutenant Paul Veitch was on hand to accept the $10,000 donation to the Saratoga Springs Police Department K9 Unit, “The dogs are an extension of how we do our jobs every day. The value the K-9 Unit brings to the force is immeasurable. We thank Saratoga Casino Hotel for recognizing the importance and for this generous donation.”

The following organizations each received a $10,000 donation. 

• AIM Services, Inc.
• Capital Roots
• The Donna M. Crandall Memorial Foundation
• Folds of Honor
• Franklin Community Center
• Jake’s Help from Heaven
• Saratoga, Americas Turning Point
• Saratoga Community Health Center
• Saratoga Regional YMCA
• Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar
• Saratoga Springs Police Department K-9 Unit
• SNACpack Program (Saratoga Nutrition Assistance for Children)
• The Wesley Community

Over the last 20 years, Saratoga Casino Hotel has donated over $3.5 million to different charitable groups in the Capital Region. Their Make a Difference initiative that started in 2004 has since been their main charitable event to honor and provide funding to local non-profit organizations.

Photo Caption:
From left to right: Sam Gerrity, Chief Executive Officer Saratoga Casino Hotel; Officer Dean Gaetano with Lepa, a certified New York State Explosives Detection Canine; Officer Oliver Aldrich; and Skip Carlson Vice President of External Affairs Saratoga Casino Hotel

About Saratoga Casino Hotel

Saratoga Casino Hotel, located on Crescent Avenue in Saratoga Springs, NY, features slot machines, electronic table games, a luxury hotel, Vapor, Morton’s® The Steakhouse, a casual dining restaurant, full-service bars, deli and a variety of guest services. Simulcast wagering is available and live harness racing runs February through mid-December. For more information, please visit www.saratogacasino.com or call 800-727-2990. Must be 18 years of age or older to play video gaming machines or wager on horses.  Please play responsibly.