$1 Million Check Presentation by Rivers Casino to Penn Treaty SSD Helps Riverwards Neighborhoods

$1 Million Check Presentation by Rivers Casino to Penn Treaty SSD Helps Riverwards Neighborhoods

Total contributions now at $11.4 million; city citations awarded for outstanding service

PHILADELPHIA — Oct. 20, 2023 — Neighborhoods surrounding Rivers Casino in Fishtown just got a million times better; local civics and other nonprofits now have more funding for capital improvements and expanded programming, thanks to the casino’s annual $1 million contribution to the Penn Treaty Special Services District (SSD).

Through grants the SSD makes to community organizations, the casino funds are used to benefit residents of Fishtown, Northern Liberties, Olde Richmond and South Kensington. Recipient organizations sponsor neighborhood festivals and community gatherings; make physical improvements to parks, playgrounds, gardens and other infrastructure; and operate arts, sports, education and recreation programs.

Over the past 14 years, the Penn Treaty SSD has made 737 grant awards, totaling $10 million, to 182 nonprofit organizations.

This year’s $1 million check brings Rivers’ total contributions to the Penn Treaty SSD to $11.4 million since 2009, just before the casino opened.

“As a dedicated community partner, Rivers Casino takes great pride in its ongoing collaboration with the Penn Treaty SSD,” said Eric Althaus, general manager of Rivers Casino. “This organization has played a crucial role in enhancing the well-being of our neighboring communities, and we’re privileged to support its mission.”

At the check presentation ceremony, the Penn Treaty SSD board of directors also presented its annual Community Service Awards. Two individuals and two organizations were recognized for their outstanding service benefiting local neighborhoods. The following received City Council citations.  

Maggie O’Brien – community activist and founder of Fishtown Neighbors Association.

Donald Phillips – former vice president of the Northern Liberties Neighbors Association and founder of Friends of Orkney Park.

Photography Without Borders – giving a voice to students in South Kensington, and empowering them to inspire hope in their community through the powerful images they have created.

Friends of Hackett – parents and community members committed to supporting their local neighborhood school, Horatio B. Hackett Elementary, which serves Olde Richmond, Fishtown and East Kensington.

“We take great pride in acknowledging the remarkable leaders and community organizations that have worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” said Rick Angeli, chairman of the Penn Treaty Special Services District board. “We’d also like to extend our gratitude to Rivers Casino for its steadfast support and unwavering commitment. Without Rivers’ annual contribution to the SSD, none of the work we do for our communities would be possible.”

For details on how to apply for a grant or sponsorship, please visit PennTreatySSD.org.

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ABOUT RIVERS CASINO PHILADELPHIA

Located along the Delaware River waterfront in Fishtown, Rivers Casino Philadelphia features 1,522 slots, 78 table games, 55 hybrid gaming seats, a 28-table poker room and a designated sportsbook area for live sports betting. Rita’s Italian Ice and Dunkin’ are among the popular grab-and-go locations in the casino’s Marketplace. The casino also offers an array of distinctive restaurants and bars — among them are Martorano’s Sicilian Slice, Mian and Jack’s Bar + Grill and Martorano’s Prime, an Italian-American Steakhouse. Guests will also enjoy riverfront views, live performances in The Event Center, free parking, and daily promotions and giveaways. For additional information and current offerings, please visit RiversCasino.com/Philadelphia.

MEDIA CONTACT

Jeff Shurilla

For Rivers Casino Philadelphia

215-764-2376 (cell)

[email protected]

ABOUT PENN TREATY SPECIAL SERVICES DISTRICT

The Penn Treaty SSD, incorporated in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) foundation that seeks to enhance the quality of life for residents of the immediate neighborhoods surrounding Rivers Casino — Fishtown, Northern Liberties, Olde Richmond and South Kensington. Funding is provided by Rivers Casino through an annual contribution. Allocation of funds is determined exclusively by the Penn Treaty SSD Board through a grant request and a review process. For more information on the Penn Treaty Special Services District, or to apply for a grant, visit www.PennTreatySSD.com.

MEDIA CONTACT

Katrina Mansfield

Penn Treaty SSD

215-574-9274

[email protected]