Employees at Tioga Downs are doing their part to help the community this holiday season. The staff raised $10,294 for the Tioga United Way, smashing the $9,000 fundraising goal set

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In addition to the employees’ donations, American Racing and Entertainment, the parent company of Tioga Downs, is matching the amount and ARE chairman Jeffrey Gural is making a $5,000 contribution, bringing the total donation to $25,588.

“It’s wonderful to see the corporate benevolence that exists in some places and this contribution is a tribute to that benevolence,” said Tioga United Way Executive Director Brian Eldridge. “I can’t tell you how much we appreciate that. It’s just neat the way Tioga Downs looks at the community. It goes from the top to the bottom. When the employees see the chairman at Tioga Downs giving the way he gives, it’s a perfect example of shadowing the leader.”

“This is a great accomplishment during these tough economic times and, as always, I am proud of to be part of this team,” said Tioga Downs Regional Vice President of Racing and Simulcast Jason M. Settlemoir. Settlemoir also serves as the United Way’s annual campaign chairman.

“Anything we can do to help,” said American Racing and Entertainment Chariman Jeffrey Gural. “It’s been a challenging year for many people around our area and I’m very proud of our employees for stepping up to the plate during the holiday season.”

(Tioga Downs)