Rivers Casinos Promote Workforce Development and Economic Opportunity Alongside Community Partners on Sept. 17

Rivers Casinos Promote Workforce Development and Economic Opportunity Alongside Community Partners on Sept. 17
5 Rivers Casinos in 4 states in lockstep for annual “Rivers Gives Day of Service”

The combined forces of Rivers Casinos and Rush Street Gaming will give a synchronized, localized lift to workforce development and economic opportunity on Wednesday, Sept. 17. Empowering individuals and small-business owners to drive personal, career and economic growth is the enterprisewide focus of this year’s “Rivers Gives Day of Service.” 

To support this imperative, more than 6,000 Team Members from all five Rivers’ gaming properties, plus Rush Street’s Chicago HQ, will deploy in their respective operating markets. Select nonprofit community partners with this shared mission will see fleets of helpers from Rivers Casino arrive to volunteer on Wednesday.

Team Members will mobilize at Rivers Casinos in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Des Plaines, Illinois (Chicago area); Schenectady, New York; and Portsmouth, Virginia.

Additionally, various Rivers Casino property activations and information exchanges are planned systemwide, featuring content and guidance ranging from job readiness and tuition reimbursement to home buying, financial literacy and more.

“Rivers Gives” is Rush Street Gaming’s long-standing community outreach program. The key pillars of Rivers Gives are volunteerism, board service, donation drives, in-kind contributions and corporate giving. Through Rivers Gives, each Rivers Casino contributes thousands of volunteer hours to local nonprofit partners each year.

This is the third annual Rivers Gives Day of Service, during which each Rivers Casino coordinates its ongoing multifaceted community engagement programs in four different states. A unifying intention — such as workforce development and economic opportunity — is selected across all markets, and a plan is then activated throughout the entire organization.

“Rivers Casino is proud to support workforce development and economic opportunity in the communities we serve,” said Tim Drehkoff, CEO of Rivers Casino and Rush Street Gaming. “By partnering with local organizations, we’re helping individuals build careers, gain financial stability and create brighter futures for themselves and their families.”

After 2023’s inaugural year, Rush Street Gaming was inspired by its Team Members to make Rivers Gives Day of Service an annual event to demonstrate gratitude and to uplift its communities. In previous years, initiatives have supported military veterans and first responders as well as health and wellness nonprofits.

“Helping people realize their growth potential and achieve success is at the heart of what we do,” said Dawn Reynolds Pettit, chief human resources officer of Rush Street Gaming. “Doing great work in our communities is a priority 365 days per year, and on Rivers Gives Day of Service we celebrate that alignment.”

Across their operating markets, Rivers Casino and Rush Street Gaming annually contribute approximately $14 million to local nonprofit partners and various community groups.

Rivers Casino Pittsburgh Partners With The Heyward House

For its day of service, Rivers Casino Pittsburgh is partnering with The Heyward House and Craig’s Closet, part of the Cameron Heyward Foundation founded by the longtime Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman, dedicated to positively impacting the lives of today’s youth.

Leading up to Rivers Gives Day of Service, casino Team Members donated gently used clothing from Sept. 1 to 17. The drive urged employees to contribute workplace-ready attire to support community members seeking employment, with donated garments benefiting The Heyward House and Dress for Success.

On Rivers Gives Day of Service, casino volunteers will make their way to Perry High School to install an all-new Craig’s Closet, a program that provides free access to interview and internship attire. The service project will run from 9 a.m. to noon.

“As regular-season football gets underway in September, so too does the school year — with career development top of mind for many,” said Charlotte Heyward-Wesley, an officer with The Cameron Heyward Foundation. “Thanks to Rivers Casino and The Heyward House, young job candidates will have professional dress to give them confidence as they interview and enter the workforce.”

Meanwhile, at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh’s home base on the North Shore, the Rivers Gives team will be gearing up to host a Team Member Resource Fair that will take place from noon to 3 p.m. in The Event Center.

During the fair, various participating organizations will provide attendees with valuable insights on workforce development and economic opportunity in Pittsburgh. Topics will include financial literacy, first-time home buying, career development services and Team Member benefits for Rivers employees.

Rivers Casino will also present The Heyward House with a $10,000 charitable contribution to further support its mission.

Casino guests can also get in on the giving, thanks to a Rivers Gives collection box that will be prominently featured on the gaming floor. Rivers Casino will pass along any chips, uncashed slot vouchers or currency contributions to its local workforce development nonprofit partners.

About Rivers Casino Pittsburgh

Rivers Casino Pittsburgh, located on the city’s North Shore and open 24/7, is one of Western Pennsylvania’s premier gaming and entertainment destinations. Rivers offers over 1,900 slot machines, 89 table games, 47 hybrid gaming seats, and a 30-table poker room, which holds the record for the largest bad beat jackpot in U.S. history (over $1.2 million). Home of BetRivers Sportsbook, Pittsburgh’s first and only licensed sportsbook, Rivers is the spot for any and all sports fans and bettors. Other amenities include a diverse lineup of eight distinct bars and restaurants, including Martorano’s Prime, the Italian-American steakhouse by celebrity cook Steve Martorano, and a 25,000-square-foot, second-level Event Center that hosts concerts, weddings, and more. Guests of The Landing Hotel adjacent to the casino have immediate access to the gaming floor. For additional information and current offerings, please visit RiversCasino.com/Pittsburgh.

About Rush Street Gaming

Rush Street Gaming and its affiliates have developed and currently operate successful casinos in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Des Plaines, Illinois; Portsmouth, Virginia; and Schenectady, New York. All Rush Street Gaming casinos have been voted a “Best Place to Work” or “Top Workplace” by their team members. Rush Street Gaming affiliates also developed and previously operated the Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls, Canada.

Media Contact:

Griffin Horner
For Rivers Casino Pittsburgh
484-683-5980
[email protected]