Rome Sentinel

The American Red Cross Central New York Region has received a combined donation of $200,746 from Vernon Downs Casino Hotel and Tioga Downs Casino for the Superstorm Sandy relief fund for New York City and Long Island.

A total of $60,440 was raised through employee contributions and a donation drive at the two tracks. American Racing and Entertainment Chief Executive Officer and owner Jeff Gural contributed $140,306 in matching and personal donations to surpass the goal of $200,000.

“Our areas (in the Southern Tier and Mohawk Valley) know what it’s like to deal with the aftermath of a flood, and that’s evident by the generosity of our patrons in showing their support for the Superstorm Sandy victims,” Gural said.

Gural and Meadowlands Racetrack also donated $250,000 to the American Red Cross to assist with Sandy relief efforts in New Jersey.