In preparation for hurricane season, Wind Creek Hospitality (WCH) teamed up with Feeding the Gulf Coast for disaster relief. Monday, July 2, WCH representatives presented a donation of $27,218 to the Mobile-based food bank. The funds will be used to pack almost two trailer loads of relief boxes with non-perishable food and bottled water.
Feeding the Gulf Coast CEO Cathy Pope explained the importance of local food banks in the wake of a disaster. “We have permission from counties in Alabama, Florida and Mississippi to distribute food. In the aftermath, we are one of the first response teams there because we are so close.”
Disaster response time is even faster when the food bank has relief boxes packed and ready to go. There are a few ways community members can help with this: financial donations, food donations and volunteer work. WCH team members experienced firsthand how simple it is to make a big difference. After presenting a donation, the team spent an hour volunteering. In that time they packed 225 boxes that will provide 1,125 meals for families recovering from a disaster.
One WCH team member described why the opportunity was so meaningful: “Most Wind Creek employees live in Alabama or Florida. We have been through disasters. We know that even when the headlines move on to other news, families are still rebuilding. It takes time to really get back on your feet after that. By partnering with Feeding the Gulf Coast, we can be part of the difference in the next disaster. We can help the food bank be proactive now so they can do the most good later.”
The donation marks the end of a company-wide campaign that raised almost $65,000 total and was distributed amongst three food banks throughout Alabama and Florida. To learn more about Feeding the Gulf Coast and how you can help, visit feedingthegulfcoast.org.
About Wind Creek Hospitality
Wind Creek Hospitality is an authority of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Wind Creek Hospitality manages the Tribe’s gaming facilities including Wind Creek Atmore, Wind Creek Wetumpka, Wind Creek Montgomery, Wa She Shu Casino in Nevada, Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino as well as racetracks in Alabama and Florida. For more information, visit: .
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is the only federally recognized Indian Tribe in the state of Alabama, operating as a sovereign nation with its own system of government and bylaws. The Tribe operates a variety of economic enterprises, which employ hundreds of area residents.