$250,000 Up for Grabs Through Tioga Downs Regional Community Foundation

Application Process Officially Open to Southern Tier Non-profits

NICHOLS, NY – Mr. Jeff Gural, owner of Tioga Downs Casino Resort, is making good on his promise to give back in a big way to community organizations in the Southern Tier.

The Tioga Downs Regional Community Foundation will award $250,000 in funding to non-profit organizations before the year’s end, and is now accepting applications. These funds are intended to contribute to community development in the counties surrounding Tioga Downs. The ideal organizations will be those that combat poverty and community deterioration by providing financial support to charitable organizations in order to advance charitable, religious, literary, scientific and educational purposes.   

Mr. Gural, who is well known for his passion for philanthropy and care for the community, says it’s a pleasure to award these funds to worthy recipients – but also a responsibility.

“Those who are fortunate enough to have the financial means to better the lives of others should do so whenever possible. I view it as a moral obligation,” Mr. Gural said. “I have a great care and concern for this community, where my mother was from. I, and Tioga Downs, will always be committed to improving quality of life for our neighbors.”

Applications are due by November 30 2018, and awards will be given out before the end of the year. In subsequent years, $1 million will be awarded annually.

About Tioga Downs:

Tioga Downs, which opened in 2006, offers live harness racing, casino gaming and live entertainment.  Jeff Gural owns Tioga Downs in Nichols, New York as well as Vernon Downs in Vernon, New York.  Since opening the new casino in December 2016, Tioga Downs has expanded its gaming offerings to include 944 slot machines, 32 table games and a luxurious 12-table poker room, which is now affiliated with the World Series of Poker.  The new Tioga Downs Hotel, which spans six stories and boasts 161 rooms, an events center and many other exciting amenities, officially opened in December 2017. Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 1,000 family-sustaining jobs and donated millions to nonprofit organizations. For more information on Tioga Downs, please visit www.tiogadowns.com.