NASHUA, NH – The newly opened Nash Casino on Tuesday presented $1.5 million in checks to local nonprofits. They are licensed as a New Hampshire charitable gaming venue, which obligates them to donate a percentage of games of chance and historical horse racing machine revenue to local charities.
The casino opened March 5th, and this payment was from revenue from the first four weeks of gaming. In comparison, during February, all of the other 12 casinos raised a combined $2.2 million in charitable donations. The Nash projects it will generate approximately $24 million in charitable contributions to over 100 New Hampshire-based nonprofits annually.
Eric Althaus, General Manager of The Nash Casino, and Christine Latino, Director of Marketing & Charity, hosted a brief check presentation ceremony from representatives of 7 local groups.
They presented checks to:
● The Nashua Children’s Home
● Corpus Christi Food Pantry
● NH Police, Fire & EMS Foundation
● Welcoming Light (Harbor Homes)
● Nashua Regional Cancer Center
● Bring Back the Trades
● Operation Care for Troops
● Nashua Community Arts
Bob Hesseltine received the payment on behalf of the Corpus Christi Food Pantry in Nashua. Reacting to the $211,998.79 check, he said, ”It’s unbelievable. Because we would never get any amount like this. We get bits and pieces of money. A lot of our support comes from the churches in the Nashua area. We’re very fortunate. But to get a big chunk of money like this, I just can’t believe it. Never thought anything like this would happen. It’s great!”
The pantry serves a population of about 1,500 per month. “What we’re trying to accomplish is to help the less needy here in Nashua. As I said, we have a food pantry. We give out food four days a week. And we have an assistance program that helps with rent, utilities, medical, dental, and car repairs, said Hesseltine.
Oscar Villacis, Vice President of the Board of the Nashua Children’s Home, was equally delighted for the support from The Nash.
“I’m a product of the Children’s Home. I actually used to live there. What this means to me and what this means to the kids of the future is more opportunities, expansion as well. Also, maintaining what we have in the face of federal funding cuts. And it’s crucial to be able to self-sustain, right? And to be able to keep the kids that we have already protected, but also the other kids that are in need, not have to turn them away,” said Villacis.
Rich Lannan, President of Nashua Community Arts, was presented a check for $201,139.27 at the ceremony. They have presented the 2nd Anniversary show and the Pete the Cat performances free to 900 second-grade students from Nashua Public Schools with past gaming donations.
“We’re going to be looking to do more community benefit programs for kids, seniors, and perhaps veterans. This money will be a big help,” said Lannan
The Nash Casino, located within the Pheasant Lane Mall in Nashua, New Hampshire, is the state’s largest charitable gaming venue. The 130,000 square foot casino has over 1,000 electronic games, 28 table games, and 19 poker tables. It includes the DraftKings Lounge, a two-story retail sportsbook and entertainment complex, and five dining options.