The Riverwards neighborhoods surrounding Philadelphia’s Rivers Casino will enjoy a significant uptick in community funding with the casino’s $1 million contribution to the Penn Treaty Special Services District (SSD), aimed at supporting ongoing reinvestment in the local community.
The contribution is destined to fund capital improvements and expand programming, primarily handled by local civic organizations and nonprofits. The SSD allocates the casino funds to various community organizations, aimed at benefiting the residences of Fishtown, Northern Liberties, Olde Richmond, and South Kensington. Organizational recipients aid neighborhood festivals, community gatherings, infrastructural enhancements for parks, playgrounds, gardens, and foster arts, sports, education, and recreation programs.
Since the organization’s establishment in 2009, the Penn Treaty SSD has awarded a total of 737 grants, amounting to $10 million, to 182 nonprofit organizations. The addition of this year’s $1 million contribution raises Rivers Casino’s total contributions to the SSD to $11.4 million.
Rivers Casino General Manager Eric Althaus emphasis on the casino’s ongoing collaboration with the Penn Treaty SSD, underscoring their shared commitment to improving the local community. He cited the SSD’s instrumental role in enhancing the community’s wellbeing, with Rivers Casino being privileged to support its mission.
At the $1 million check presentation ceremony, the SSD board of directors recognized exemplary service to local neighborhoods. Among those honored were Maggie O’Brien, founder of Fishtown Neighbors Association, and Donald Phillips, former vice president of the Northern Liberties Neighbors Association and founder of Friends of Orkney Park.
Two organizations, Photography Without Borders and Friends of Hackett, were also recognized for their roles in amplifying student voices in South Kensington and supporting Hackett Elementary, which serves Olde Richmond, Fishtown, and East Kensington.
Penn Treaty SSD board chairman Rick Angeli credited community leaders and organizations for their relentless efforts towards enhancing the quality of life in their respective neighborhoods. He expressed gratitude towards Rivers Casino for its invaluable annual contribution to the SSD, without which the improvements to the local communities would not be possible.
