Horseshoe
Casino Hosts Second Wind Dreams® Celebration Kickoff
Atlanta -
Chicago, IL (February 24, 2009) – Horseshoe Hammond hosted a senior
citizen dream kick-off celebration with Second Wind Dreams® and
The Harrah’s Foundation. Local nursing home and assistant living
residents, community residents and Horseshoe dream weavers gathered
today at the all new 500 million-dollar Horseshoe Casino, just 20
minutes from downtown Chicago.
ÒSecond Wind Dreams is a remarkable organization,Ó said Rick Mazer,
Indiana regional president and general manger, Harrah’s Entertainment,
Inc. ÒI’m very proud of my employee volunteers who jumped right
in and helped fulfill these dreams today.Ó
ÒWe are so thrilled to be here at the beautiful Horseshoe and announce
this incredible relationship between the Harrah’s Foundation and
Second Wind Dreams. When Second Wind Dreams began in 1997, we had
only hoped to find such incredible support,Ó Added PK Beville, Harrah’s
Foundation advisory council member and founder of Second Wind Dreams®.
ÒThe volunteer efforts through the Horseshoe Hammond’s H.E.R.O.
team and the financial generosity provided by the Harrah’s Foundation
have exceeded our expectations - their generosity and unyielding
support makes these dreams a reality.Ó
In all, four dreams were granted for local Indiana residents and
three Indiana nursing homes received some much needed equipment:
- Reunion
Dream – Ninety-three year old Jean Cole, who resides
in Timberview in Gary, IN, was reunited with her eighty nine year
old sister, Jeanette Porter. The two have not seen each other
in over 13 years.
- Dream
for Fun – 81 year-old Willie McCall, who resides in Timberview
in Gary, IN, is a huge Aretha Franklin fan, and was presented
with a concert package from The Venue at Horseshoe Casino, for
the Aretha Franklin concert in April. Willie's sister attending
the kick-off event as well.
-
Need-Based Dream
– 85 year-old Mildred Coty, who currently resides in Lake County
Rehab in East Chicago, IN, lived at the Munster Med Inn when it
flooded and she had to relocate to Lake County Nursing & Rehab.
Most of her clothing was lost in the flood. Mildred has always
been known for dressing well. She talked about shopping on Michigan
Avenue and how she loves to look her best. She received several
new outfits, jewelry and a handbag - a new wardrobe always makes
a girl smile!
-
Lifelong Dream – 68 year-old Theresa Arambulla,
who resides in Hammond / Whiting Care Center in Whiting, IN did
not get to graduate from High School and would have graduated
from East Chicago Washington in 1959. Feeling that she had let
her family down because she was the only one in the family who
had never graduated, Second Wind Dreams knew they needed to step
in. Ms. Arambulla received a diploma for life-long learning from
the superintendent of East Chicago Schools, Dr. Juan Anaya, complete
with cap and gown, pomp and circumstance, alumni and family there
dressed in school colors to celebrate this accomplishment.
-
Quality of Life Dreams – Each of the three participating
care centers: Lake County Rehab, the Hammond/Whiting Care Center
and Timberview received a Wii video game and computers donated
from Horseshoe Hammond. These are items that will enhance the
quality of life for the residents of each facility collectively.
ABOUT
HORSESHOE HAMMOND
The all new 500 million-dollar Horseshoe Casino, a Harrah's Entertainment,
Inc. property, just 20 minutes from downtown Chicago is the premier
entertainment and gaming destination in Chicagoland. Where legendary
gaming lives on, Horseshoe boasts more than 350,000 square feet
with 3,200 slot machines, nearly 100 table games, the largest poker
room in the Midwest, keno and more. The Venue at Horseshoe Casino
is proud to offer the ultimate concert and entertainment destination.
In conjunction with AEG Live and created by the award-winning designers
of Sceno Plus, The Venue offers a premier experience in a flexible
space that can hold up to 4,000 guests. Dining elegance is not overlooked
and guests can choose from a variety of dining options including;
Jack Binion's Steak House which overlooks Lake Michigan, around-the-globe
variety at the Village Square Buffet, a taste of Chicago at Benny's
Home Cookin, scrumptious fare at J.B.s Gourmet Sandwiches and Salads
and the delicious Asian cuisine at Fai Choi
ABOUT THE HARRAH’S FOUNDATION
The Harrah’s Foundation is a private, 501(c)(3) foundation established
to provide financial support to qualified organizations in communities
where Harrah’s employees live and work. Established in 2002, the
Harrah’s Foundation is funded by Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., portfolio
of properties and supports social reinvestment programs by funding
eligible 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to seniors, education
and civic programs. Since its formation, the Harrah’s Foundation
has committed nearly $66 million to nonprofit organizations throughout
the United States. More information is available at http://www.harrahscommunityrelations.com.
ABOUT SECOND WIND DREAMS®
Since 1997, the Second Wind Dreams® network has fulfilled over 4,600
dreams nationwide for members of the Greatest Generation, particularly
those who are among the most forgotten in our society: residents
of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Visit our Web site
at www.secondwind.org
MEDIA CONTACT: Leah Eisenstein, XA, The Experiential Agency, 312-239-2339,
leah@expagency.com
Jacqueline Peterson, Harrah’s Entertainment, (702) 449-3175 (mobile),
japeterson@harrahs.com |
