Communities throughout the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians’ 7-county service area are benefitting from a total of $1,010,348.52 in contributions from the tribe this fall. The support to local government and community organizations is part of the twice-annual payments the Sault Tribe has distributed since 1993 to U.P. communities based on 2-percent video gaming revenues from its Kewadin Casino properties.
“Our Kewadin Casino properties are not only economic drivers that support local tourism and provide opportunities for entertainment, they are also one of the ways that we are able to give back to the region,” said Sault Tribe Chairman Austin Lowes. “We are proud to be able to provide more than $1 million in support this fall toward a wide range of local government services, senior and veterans programs, parks and recreation and public safety across the U.P.”
Rudyard Area Schools is one of 83 different beneficiaries of the Sault Tribe’s fall 2024 2% community contributions. It will receive $20,000 to support ongoing maintenance of its pool.
“We have the only public pool in the region, so it gets a lot of use. These funds will help provide important maintenance so that it remains an asset that everyone can enjoy year-round,” said Rudyard Schools Superintendent Tom McKee. “The Sault Tribe has been an outstanding partner, and we appreciate their ongoing support.”
St. Ignace City Manager Scott Marshall said the tribe and Kewadin’s contributions of $15,000 for CPR devices and $14,223 for wastewater system upgrades are helping the city provide quality public services to the community.
“The Sault Tribe and the Kewadin Casino have always been valued members of the community. We appreciate their collaboration and are thankful for their ongoing engagement and contributions to help ensure residents of this region have the best quality of life possible,” said Marshall.
Other communities and local programs benefitting from the 2% community contributions include:
$25,000 to support the Alger Community Food Pantry in Munising
$15,815 toward the Central U.P. Critical Incident Stress Management Mental Health Fund in Marquette County
$9,545 to Memory Lane Life Stations at the Schoolcraft Medical Care Facility in Manistique
$4,000 for fire fighter masks for the city of Escanaba
$3,000 each to nine different school districts throughout Unit 4 (Delta, Schoolcraft and Marquette counties) in support Native American education curriculum.
The Sault Tribe has now contributed more than $53 million to Upper Peninsula communities within its service area since it began distributing 2% of its Kewadin Casinos video gaming revenue in 1993.
“It’s amazing to look back and point out all of the important things the Sault Tribe has been able to support with the 2% contributions. From basic government services to recreation opportunities and senior and cultural programs – the tribe can proudly say it has helped to support just about every aspect of the communities we serve,” said Chairman Lowes.
Those interested in reviewing current and past recipients are encouraged to visit https://kewadin.com/2-percent-donating/.
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