Rivers Casino Portsmouth launches Rivers Gives

PORTSMOUTH, Va.—November 14, 2022— Ahead of an anticipated grand opening in early 2023, Rivers Casino Portsmouth announced plans to launch its longstanding community engagement program “Rivers Gives” in Hampton Roads. Through collaboration with community leaders, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses, “Rivers Gives” aims to support and enhance the quality of life for all residents in the local community. In all operating markets, Rivers Casino annually donates thousands of volunteer hours and makes in-kind and monetary contributions to help make each hometown a better place to live and work. 

“Rivers Gives” is a unique corporate giving program underpinned by five key pillars: 

• Volunteerism 

On monthly service days, Rivers Casino Team Members can volunteer to work at local nonprofits, as part of their usual compensation package. Rivers Casino Team Members donate approximately 2,000 volunteer hours per casino each year. 

• Board Service 

Members of Rivers Casino’s leadership team, including all vice presidents and directors, are encouraged to join at least one nonprofit or community service board of their choosing. 

• Donation Drives 

Rivers Casino showcases a different local nonprofit on the gaming floor each month—encouraging guests to donate chips, slot vouchers, or cash to support community-based initiatives. In addition, casino guests and Team Members participate in food and clothing drives to support local charities. 

• In-Kind Contributions 

Rivers Casino regularly provides in-kind support for local nonprofits, such as unprepared food, clothing, furniture, equipment, meeting and event space, and more. 

Corporate Giving 

Rivers Casino’s charitable giving concentrates on the following areas: diversity, equity and inclusion; public health; education; economic and community development; workforce development; Veteran support services; and public service. 

“Rivers Casino Portsmouth is committed to being a good community partner, and our local team embraces the spirit of philanthropy that’s so deeply embedded in our company culture,” said Roy Corby,

General Manager, Rivers Casino Portsmouth. “Through Rivers Gives, we look forward to exploring new partnerships that will improve the quality of life for residents in the City of Portsmouth and throughout the region.” 

“Rivers Gives” Kicks Off with Annual Mayflower Marathon 

The casino will officially launch “Rivers Gives” in Hampton Roads with a $20,000 contribution and nonperishable food donation to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore in support of its annual Mayflower Marathon — a 57-hour consecutive food and fund drive taking place November 18-21. Rivers Casino Portsmouth Team Members will also provide a truck-full of nonperishable food and volunteer support for the food drive — helping to collect, sort, and distribute donations for local families facing food insecurity. 

“Community partnerships are the lifeblood of our organization, and we are very pleased that Rivers Casino Portsmouth is joining the Foodbank in its commitment to end food insecurity,” said Christopher Tan, President & CEO of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore. “By giving funding, time through volunteers, and food, they are demonstrating that they are making great efforts to join our community as good neighbors. As we like to say at the Foodbank, we are all neighbors helping our fellow neighbors because that’s what neighbors do.” 

With its early commitment to monthly service projects, Rivers Casino Portsmouth has already supported several local organizations, community initiatives, and events over the last year including the Patriotic Festival, Portsmouth PRIDE Festival, the Urban League of Hampton Roads (Juneteenth Freedom Day), the Virginia Aquarium, Nauticus (SailFest), the Wesley Community Service Center, Fil Fest, Norfolk State University Foundation (Spartan Legion Marching Band), and more. 

“Rivers Casino Portsmouth has been intentional about partnering with organizations and initiatives that are working to ensure our community flourishes,” said Melissa Ramsey, Director of Community Relations. “As we approach the holiday season, we are excited to officially launch our ongoing Rivers Gives program in partnership with the Foodbank — an organization that has been at the forefront of addressing food insecurity and helping some of the most vulnerable families in the City of Portsmouth and throughout the region.” 

### 

About Rivers Casino Portsmouth 

Rivers Casino Portsmouth is a world-class destination—a $300 million-plus local investment—currently under active construction along Victory Boulevard as part of Portsmouth’s New Entertainment District. The complex will feature a casino, a sportsbook, a hotel, event and conference venues, premier restaurants and more. Rivers Casino will be developed and operated by Rush Street Gaming, one of the fastest-growing casino and entertainment companies in the country. Rivers Casino Portsmouth will open in early 2023. For more information about Rivers Casino Portsmouth, including ongoing career opportunities, please visit riverscasinoportsmouth.com. 

About the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore 

For 40 years, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore has provided over 350 million meals to those in our community who face hunger. Through its programs, facilities, and large network of community partners, they “eliminate hunger” on a daily basis for many. For up-to-date information on the Foodbank, visit www.foodbankonline.org.

Media Contacts: 

Kelli Webb
For Rivers Casino Portsmouth
[email protected]
757.606.0281

Jack Horner
For Rush Street Gaming
[email protected]
412.600.2295