Chamber Of Commerce Gives Seminole Casino Coconut Creek Award For Charitable Donations

Written By Hill Kerby on October 12, 2022
Seminole Casino Coconut Creek honored with chamber award for giving

When it comes to giving back to the community, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek is leading by example.

Through the first nine months of 2022, the casino donated more than $450,000 to over 90 charities. It is one of the six Florida casinos owned by the Seminole Tribe.

For its charitable efforts, the Coral Springs Coconut Creek Regional Chamber Of Commerce awarded the casino its Community Impact Business of the Year Award. The Chamber of Commerce will present the award at its annual gala at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott in Coral Springs on Oct. 20.

The company that runs Coconut Creek, Seminole Gaming, was named the best-managed company in the gaming business for the second straight year in May. It’s the first privately-owned company to win the award.

The award recognizes an exceptional chamber member business for contributions of time, leadership and resources, and an overall spirit of giving.

Making the community a better place

Chamber President/CEO Cindy Brief praised the casino.

“Seminole Casino Coconut Creek is a true business leader and makes meaningful impacts on our community in so many ways. … They truly make our community a better place.”

Coconut Creek’s contributions come from cash and in-kind donations to schools, nonprofits and other organizations. Employees also participate in food drives and volunteer at local events.

Recently, the casino partnered with Irreverent Warriors to host a charity poker tournament. It raised over $35,000 to improve veterans’ mental health and prevent suicide. Another charity poker event ran in June. The casino partnered with NFL Alumni to raise $25,000 for SOS Children’s Villages Florida, a local social services organization.

Philanthropy runs in the casino’s roots

Larry Buck, president of Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, said the company is excited to gain such honors.

“Since Day 1, Coco has prided itself on being engaged with our community across the board.”

After opening in 2000, the casino raised nearly $600,000 for charities over the next decade. It has continued that spirit of giving. It really stepped up its game during the COVID-19 pandemic, Buck said.

“Clearly, the pandemic put charities under more pressure than ever before. To that end, we are happy to help in any way that we can. It’s all about giving back.”

Seminole Gaming properties celebrating Pinktober

For October, Coconut Creek is participating in the annual Pinktober campaign to raise awareness for breast cancer. Other Seminole Gaming and Hard Rock properties are also taking part.

All participating casinos will have numerous on-site and off-site fundraising efforts. They include offering Pinktober-themed merchandise, drinks, menu items and also hotel promotions. A portion of the proceeds goes to the American Cancer Society.

Casinos will also be supporting local Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk events. They include the 5K walks at Huizenga Plaza in downtown Fort Lauderdale on Oct. 23 and at Tampa Bay’s Raymond James Stadium on Oct. 29.

Photo by Seminole Casino Coconut Creek
Hill Kerby Avatar
Written by
Hill Kerby

Hill Kerby is a proponent of safe, legal betting, and is grateful to be able to contribute to growing the industry. He has a background in poker, sports, and psychology, all of which he incorporates into his writing.

View all posts by Hill Kerby